The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Has your front tooth cracked and begun to crumble? Every sip of cold water sends a stab of pain through your jaw, and simply breathing in cool air feels uncomfortable. Patients in this situation usually fire off three urgent questions: How much does a front-tooth crown cost? Is the treatment painful? How long will I have to wait for my new tooth?
The good news is: a modern front-tooth crown —
In this guide you’ll learn:
Patient StoryFront-Tooth Crown in Just 1-2 Visit
What bothered the patient – Broken central incisor. Pain when biting, visible chip in every photo.
How Dr. Boris Lipovetskiy fixed it?
- Took a digital scan –
no messy impressions. - Matched the exact shade and shape in to the neighboring teeth.
- Designed the crown to balance the bite, so nearby teeth wouldn’t crack or wear down.
Result: The new crown is visually indistinguishable from natural enamel. Pain and sensitivity disappeared the same day.
“I never imagined my smile could be restored this fast. You can’t even see the crown —
Want the same result? Book a consultation – exam + X-ray for new patients is just $89
What Is a Front-Tooth Crown?
A front-tooth crown is a fixed restoration that covers the damaged visible part of the tooth and takes over the full biting load. Unlike molar crowns, aesthetics are critical here: color, translucency and the “gum-to-enamel” junction must be indistinguishable from the neighbouring incisors.
Front teeth are your calling card — my 4-point checklist
- Shade & strength of adjacent teeth – I match the exact color so that the new smile looks natural.
- Material strength – the front row bites into food, so the minimum I use is a ceramic E-max crown, and for maximum durability I choose zirconia.
- Biocompatibility – only safe and hypoallergenic materials.
- Longevity – the goal is 20+ years of service. A crown outperforms a large filling because it preserves the bite line; the tooth wears less and you avoid two or three repeat fillings over time.
Ready to regain a confident smile? Book a 15-minute consultation — we’ll choose the right material, and give you an exact price and timeline for your front-tooth crown.
When Do You Need a Crown on a Front Tooth?
| Situation | Why a crown, not a filling or veneer |
|---|---|
| Chip or fracture > 50 % of the tooth | A large composite chip will break off again; a veneer won’t cover the entire defect |
| Vertical crack | Biting forces can split the tooth if the crack isn’t fully encased by a crown |
| Dark tooth after root-canal therapy | Whitening or a filling masks color only slightly; a crown blocks it completely and restores strength |
| Severe wear from bruxism (night grinding) | The whole surface needs protection; a crown distributes stress and prevents new chips |
Types of Crowns for Front Teeth
| Zirconia Crown | Ceramic Crown(E-max / Porcelain) | |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | It is semi-translucent like enamel; slightly less glass-like shine than pure porcelain | Best match for natural shade and light transmission — looks “invisible” in the smile line |
| Strength / Longevity | It has a 98% 5-year survival rate; and can handle bruxism and hard foods | 95%+ survival; strong but slightly less fracture-resistant under heavy grinding |
| Ideal for | Patients with bruxism, chips > ⅓ of the tooth, for example lovers of nuts and crunchy snacks | Anyone who wants an ultra-natural look and minimal tooth reduction |
| Limitations | Optical density can be noticeable on ultra-white bleached teeth | Not recommended for severe bruxism unless combined with a night guard |
- Will people notice the crown?
With a precise shade match, both zirconia and E-max ceramic are visually indistinguishable from natural enamel.
- Can the crown crack?
Zirconia handles heavy bite forces — risk of fracture is near zero. High-strength E-max is also more than strong enough for front teeth.
- Does a crown darken over time?
No. We don’t use metal-ceramic crowns that can show a grey line; zirconia and E-max keep their colour for decades.
Rule of thumb
- Love crunchy foods or grind your teeth? → Pick a zirconia crown for maximum longevity.
- Want the most “invisible” result with minimal tooth reduction? → Choose E-max ceramic.
Still unsure which option fits you? Book a free 15-minute assessment — we’ll test your bite, show real before-and-after photos, and give you an exact quote.
How to Choose the Right Crown for a Front Tooth
We place zirconia or E-max crowns starting at $850 per tooth. Book a consultation — we’ll map out every step, schedule your visits and give you a precise cost estimate.
How are crowns placed on front teeth?
Unsure which crown to choose? Book a 15-minute express assessment — we’ll take an X-ray, evaluate your bite and recommend the ideal crown for your budget and lifestyle
Patient StoriesBefore & After Front‑Tooth Crowns
Restoring Facial Height and a Confident Smile
A patient came in with severely worn lower teeth. His lower face looked “collapsed,” and he suffered jaw pain and chronic dry mouth. Dr. Boris Lipovetskiy placed zirconia implants and crowns, raising the bite. Result: the jaw pain disappeared, headaches stopped, and the smile became perfectly symmetrical.
Repairing Damaged Crowns and Ending Night Grinding
Another patient’s old crowns kept chipping; he also complained of a tight bite and bruxism. Our Fort Lauderdale dentist's team performed digital Smile Design, replaced the crowns with zirconia, and made a custom night guard. At the follow‑up, he reported quiet, grind‑free sleep, intact crowns, and an even smile.
In every case we start by checking the bite, simulating chewing forces, and choosing materials individually — so crowns last longer and patients forget about pain and self-consciousness.
Want results like these? Book a consultation today
How Long Do Front-Tooth Crowns Last?
Average lifespan: 5-15 years — the exact number depends on four key factors.
| Factor | Why it matters | Your action plan |
|---|---|---|
| Daily care | Plaque fuels decay under a crown | Brush twice a day, floss, and use an alcohol-free rinse |
| Professional cleanings | Removes tartar and keeps gums healthy | Book a hygiene visit every 6 months |
| Bite control | Night grinding (bruxism) can chip any material | Wear a custom night guard to protect the crown |
| Personal biology | Gum health, age and bite anatomy all play a role | Follow your dentist’s tailored check-up schedule |
Dentist’s quick tips
- Keep the margin clean — thorough home hygiene prevents hidden decay beneath the crown.
- Protect against impact — a fall or hard blow can still chip zirconia or ceramic.
- A well-shaped crown and regular cleanings help you avoid gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Zirconia and E-max are hypoallergenic, but if you suspect a reaction to cement, see your dentist immediately.
FAQ
Yes. When we match shade, translucency, and shape — and use modern materials like multilayer zirconia or E-max ceramic — the crown blends so well you can’t tell it apart from a natural tooth.
Our written warranty covers 1-3 years (and can be extended to 5 years if you attend routine check-ups). With proper care, the crown typically lasts 10-15 years or more.
Zirconia is the top choice: it withstands heavy grinding forces without chipping. We also make a custom night guard to protect both the crown and your natural teeth.
Zirconia and E‑max cost more than traditional metal-ceramic crowns, but they last longer and look far better — which is crucial in the smile zone. Right now we’re running a special: zirconia or ceramic crowns start at $850 per tooth.
They solve different problems. Veneers cover minor chips or discoloration on otherwise healthy teeth. Crowns completely encase and reinforce a tooth that’s badly cracked, worn, or root-canal treated.
Yes. Modern zirconia and ceramic crowns handle everyday biting and chewing. Just use common sense with extremely hard foods — no cracking ice or opening packages with your teeth.
Still unsure which option fits you? Book a free 15-minute consultation — we’ll check your bite, show real before-and-after photos, and give you an exact quote.
