Dental Crowns in Markham: Types, Costs, and What to Expect
A dental crown is one of the most common major restorative procedures and one of the most misunderstood. Many Markham patients receive a crown recommendation without fully understanding why a filling or simpler restoration would not be sufficient, what material their crown should be, what the two-appointment process involves, or whether the cost is reasonable.
This guide answers all of those questions clearly. It covers when a crown is genuinely necessary, which material is right for your situation, exactly what happens across both appointments, how to manage the period between them, what a crown realistically costs in Markham in 2026, and how long a well-placed crown will serve you.
When Is a Dental Crown Necessary?
A dental crown sometimes called a cap is a custom-fabricated restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It is indicated when the damage or structural compromise of a tooth is beyond what a filling can reliably address.
A crown is typically recommended when:
The tooth has extensive decay. When decay has destroyed such a significant proportion of the tooth that a filling would occupy more than roughly half the remaining tooth structure, the remaining walls are too thin and fragile to support the filling long-term. A crown distributes biting forces over the entire tooth surface rather than through a filling body, providing far more structural stability.
The tooth has a crack or fracture. Cracked tooth syndrome where a tooth has a fracture that extends from the chewing surface downward, sometimes invisibly causes sharp pain when biting and released, and is difficult to treat with anything other than a crown. Binding the cracked tooth with a crown prevents the fracture from propagating further toward the root.
After root canal treatment. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle over time. Root canal-treated back teeth (premolars and molars) are at high risk of fracturing under normal chewing forces if not protected with a crown. For most Markham patients, a crown placed within weeks of a completed root canal is essential not optional. For the complete root canal guide, see our root canal Markham patient guide.
A previous large filling has failed or fractured. An old large amalgam or composite filling that breaks, leaks, or undermines the remaining tooth structure may require a crown when replacement with another filling would leave insufficient tooth support.
The tooth is severely worn. Patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) can wear their tooth surfaces to the point where crowns are needed to restore height, function, and appearance.
Cosmetic improvement of a significantly discoloured or misshapen tooth. When a tooth is too discoloured for whitening or too structurally compromised for a veneer to be appropriate, a crown may be the right cosmetic solution. For the veneers vs crowns comparison in a cosmetic context, see our dental veneers Markham guide.
Crown vs Filling vs Onlay: Choosing the Most Conservative Option
One of the most important questions a Markham patient can ask when a crown is recommended: Is there a more conservative option that would work?
Filling: The most conservative restoration. Appropriate when decay or damage is limited to a specific portion of the tooth, and the remaining tooth structure is sufficient to support a filling without risk of fracture. If less than approximately 50% of the tooth structure is compromised, a well-placed filling is typically appropriate. Beyond that threshold, filling longevity and the integrity of the remaining walls become concerns.
Inlay/Onlay: A middle ground between a filling and a crown. An inlay or onlay is a custom-fabricated restoration made in a laboratory and bonded into or onto the tooth, covering only the damaged area rather than the entire tooth surface. Onlays are ideal when decay or damage extends to one or more cusps (the raised points on a back tooth) but does not extend far enough down the sides of the tooth to require a full crown. An onlay preserves significantly more healthy tooth structure than a crown. Ask Dr. Reza specifically whether an onlay is a viable option for your situation before proceeding to a full crown.
Crown: Required when structural damage is extensive enough that covering only part of the tooth is insufficient, or when specific clinical factors (post root canal, significant crack, very large filling replacement) make full coverage the appropriate choice.
At Hwy7 Family Dentistry, Dr. Reza takes a conservative approach recommending the least invasive restoration that will achieve a durable, functional result. When a crown is recommended, we explain exactly why a filling or onlay would not be sufficient in your specific case.
Types of Dental Crowns: Which Material Is Right for You?
Zirconia has become the most common crown material in Ontario practices it combines the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain, and it does not develop the grey line at the gumline that older PFM crowns sometimes show over time. But every material has its appropriate applications. Here is the complete picture: thedentalteam
Zirconia (Monolithic)
Zirconia a type of industrial ceramic has become the default crown material at most Ontario practices in 2026, and for good reason. It is tooth-coloured, extremely strong (resistant to chipping and fracture), does not require a metal substructure, and does not cause the grey gumline shadow that has been the long-standing aesthetic drawback of PFM crowns.
Best for: Most back teeth (molars and premolars), patients who grind their teeth, patients who want the best combination of aesthetics and strength, and patients with metal sensitivities.
Lifespan: 15–25 years with proper care currently the most durable tooth-coloured crown option available.
Cost: 1,300–2,000+ for zirconia crowns. thedentalteam
All-Porcelain / All-Ceramic (Including E.max / Lithium Disilicate)
All-ceramic crowns particularly those made from lithium disilicate (marketed under the E.max brand) offer the most natural-looking result of any crown material. The translucency of lithium disilicate closely mimics natural tooth enamel, making these crowns ideal for front teeth where appearance is the highest priority.
Best for: Upper and lower front teeth where natural translucency is important. Less appropriate for heavy-bite back teeth as they are more susceptible to chipping under high occlusal force than zirconia.
Lifespan: 10–15 years for standard all-ceramic; slightly longer for lithium disilicate with proper care.
Cost: 1,100–1,800 depending on material subtype.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns were the dominant material for decades a metal inner substructure covered with porcelain for aesthetics. They remain a solid, well-tested option, though they are less commonly placed at newer Markham practices than a decade ago, primarily because of the grey gumline issue that develops as the gum tissue recedes over time and exposes the metal margin.
Best for: Patients whose insurance coverage specifically favours PFM, back teeth where the gumline shadow is less visible, and long-span bridges where metal substructure strength is important.
Lifespan: 10–20 years. A well-maintained PFM crown can last a very long time, particularly in lower-visibility positions.
Cost: 1,000–1,600 for PFM crowns. thedentalteam
Gold / Full-Metal Crowns
Full-cast metal crowns including gold alloy and other metal compositions are the most durable crown option available and require the least tooth reduction of any material. They are almost exclusively used on back teeth where they are not visible.
Best for: Patients who prioritise longevity over aesthetics, particularly for second molars that are rarely visible. Gold crowns are the preferred choice for many dental specialists when long-term function is the primary concern.
Lifespan: 20–40+ years the longest lifespan of any crown type.
Cost: 1,200–3,000+ depending on gold market prices and crown size.
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost in Ontario?
The ODA Fee Guide suggests a crown procedure fee of $1,099 with a mandatory dental lab fee of $250 to $350, meaning the minimum starting cost under the guide ranges from $1,349 to $1,449. dentalnorthyork
Here is a realistic 2026 cost guide for Markham patients:
Crown Type | Cost Range (Ontario 2026) |
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | 1,000–1,600 |
All-porcelain / all-ceramic | 1,100–1,800 |
Zirconia | 1,300–2,000+ |
Gold / full-metal | 1,200–3,000+ |
Typical Markham range (all types) | 1,000–2,000 |
Additional costs to account for:
Build-up (if the tooth needs core reinforcement before crown placement): 200–400
Post and core (for root canal-treated teeth with limited remaining structure): 300–500
Temporary crown (typically included in the crown fee, but confirm)
Ontario dentists are not required to follow any fee schedule they set their own fees based on their own practice. If a dentist plans to charge above the ODA Suggested Fee Guide, they are required to inform you (RCDSO). thevillagedentist
At Hwy7 Family Dentistry, we provide a complete written estimate itemised by component before any crown treatment begins. No surprises.
Insurance coverage for dental crowns in Ontario: Most employer-sponsored dental plans categorise crowns as major restorative services and cover them at 50% of the ODA fee guide rate, subject to an annual or lifetime maximum. This means on a $1,400 crown, your insurance might cover $700 leaving $700 out of pocket after the deductible. thedentalteam
Key insurance considerations:
Waiting period: Many dental plans impose a 12-month waiting period for major restorative work. If you are new to a plan, check whether a waiting period applies before proceeding
Annual maximum: Most plans have an annual maximum of 1,000–2,500. A crown plus any other major work in the same year may exceed this
Pre-determination: Always request a pre-determination a formal estimate submitted to your insurer before treatment so you know exactly what you will pay before committing
CDCP coverage: Hwy7 Family Dentistry is a registered CDCP provider. The CDCP covers dental crowns as major restorative procedures for eligible patients. Coverage percentage depends on your household income tier 100% coverage for households under $70,000, 60% for 70,000–79,999, and 40% for 80,000–89,999. Contact our team when booking to confirm your CDCP eligibility.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Crown lifespan depends on three factors: the material chosen, the position of the crown in the mouth, and how well both the crown and the underlying tooth are maintained.
By material:
Gold crowns: 20–40+ years (longest)
Zirconia: 15–25 years
PFM crowns: 10–20 years
All-ceramic/porcelain: 10–15 years
Factors that shorten crown lifespan:
Bruxism (grinding) the single largest factor, particularly for ceramic crowns; a night guard is essential for protecting any crown in a patient who grinds
Poor oral hygiene a crown itself cannot decay, but the tooth beneath it can. Plaque accumulation at the crown margin (where crown meets tooth) can cause decay that undermines the entire restoration
Clenching habits
Chewing very hard foods ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels
Trauma or accident
With proper care, a zirconia or PFM crown placed at Hwy7 Family Dentistry should serve you well for 15–20 years. We monitor crowns at every recall appointment catching any early signs of margin wear, loosening, or adjacent issues before they compromise the restoration.
The Crown Procedure: What Happens Across Both Appointments
Appointment 1 Tooth Preparation, Impressions, and Temporary Crown
This appointment typically takes 60–90 minutes. Here is what happens:
Anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue completely. The entire appointment is performed with the tooth fully numb you feel pressure and vibration but no pain.
Tooth preparation: Dr. Reza shapes the tooth to create a uniform reduction of the outer surface typically 1.5–2mm creating the space the crown needs to fit over the tooth without making it oversized. Any decay present is removed. If the tooth has had a root canal or lacks sufficient structure, a build-up or post and core may be placed to create a stable foundation.
Impressions / digital scan: Either a traditional impression or a digital intraoral scan records the precise shape of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. This is sent to the dental laboratory with detailed shade and material specifications.
Temporary crown: A temporary crown is fabricated and cemented over the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made. This temporary protects the prepared tooth, maintains the space, and allows you to function normally.
The permanent crown is typically ready from the laboratory in 1–3 weeks.
Between appointments managing your temporary crown:
Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns. During the interim period:
Avoid sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum, toffee) these can pull the temporary crown off
Avoid very hard foods on the temporary crown side
If the temporary crown comes off, call us immediately at (905) 604-1995 leaving a prepared tooth exposed is uncomfortable and can cause sensitivity and shifting
Floss carefully around the temporary, sliding the floss out rather than snapping it up (which can lift the temporary)
Appointment 2 Permanent Crown Cementation
This appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Try-in: The permanent crown is placed on the tooth without cement to check fit, bite, and shade. Dr. Reza assesses the margin seal, contour, and contact with adjacent teeth. Adjustments are made as needed.
Bite adjustment: The bite is carefully checked with articulating paper any areas of premature contact are adjusted to ensure the crown does not hit the opposing teeth unevenly.
Cementation: Once fit is confirmed, the permanent crown is cemented into place with a strong dental adhesive. Excess cement is carefully removed from around the margin and between teeth.
Final polish: The crown is polished and the bite is checked one final time.
You leave with your permanent crown in place functioning and appearing as a natural tooth.
Caring for Your Crown Long-Term
A dental crown requires the same basic oral hygiene as a natural tooth, with a few specific considerations:
Brush twice daily and floss daily. The margin where the crown meets the natural tooth is the most vulnerable point plaque that accumulates here can cause decay in the natural tooth beneath the crown. Careful brushing at the gumline and flossing daily keeps this margin clean.
Night guard if you grind. This is non-negotiable if bruxism is present. A custom night guard protects your crown investment from the repetitive force that shortens ceramic crown lifespan significantly.
Avoid biting very hard objects. Ice, hard candy, fingernails, and packaging are the most common causes of ceramic crown chipping. Your crown is strong but not indestructible.
Attend regular check-ups. Hwy7 Family Dentistry monitors your crowns at every recall appointment checking the margin seal, occlusion, and any early signs of wear. Catching a small issue early is far less expensive than replacing a compromised crown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Ontario?
The ODA Suggested Fee Guide sets the procedure fee for a porcelain, ceramic, or polymer glass crown at $1,099, with a mandatory dental lab fee of $250 to $350 added on top giving a minimum starting cost of $1,349 to $1,449. In practice, most Markham patients pay 1,000–2,000 for a crown depending on material. Most private dental insurance plans cover crowns as major restorative at 50% of the ODA guide rate, subject to annual maximums and waiting periods. dentalnorthyork
How long does a dental crown last?
With proper care, a zirconia crown lasts 15–25 years, a PFM crown 10–20 years, an all-ceramic crown 10–15 years, and a gold crown 20–40+ years. The main factors that shorten crown lifespan are bruxism (grinding), poor oral hygiene at the margin, and physical habits like chewing ice or hard candy.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic you feel pressure and movement but no sharp pain. Post-procedure sensitivity is common for a few days as the tooth and gum tissue settle, and is managed with ibuprofen. Most patients find the crown appointment less uncomfortable than they expected.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
A root canal-treated tooth loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle over time. Without a crown, a root canal-treated back tooth is at high risk of fracturing under normal biting forces sometimes splitting in a way that cannot be repaired. In most cases a crown placed over a root canal-treated molar or premolar is essential to protect the investment of the root canal treatment itself.
What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?
A crown covers the entire tooth above the gumline and is used for significantly damaged, decayed, or structurally compromised teeth. A veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth and is used for cosmetic improvement of otherwise structurally sound teeth. Crowns are more invasive and require more tooth reduction; veneers are more conservative and appropriate only for cosmetic applications.
Can my crown fall off?
Rarely but it can happen, particularly if the temporary crown is involved or if cement has washed out from around the permanent crown over many years. If your crown comes off, save it and call us immediately at (905) 604-1995. In most cases the crown can be re-cemented, particularly if the underlying tooth remains intact.
Book Your Crown Consultation in Markham
If you have been told you need a crown or if you have a damaged tooth that needs assessment the right first step is a proper evaluation with a clear explanation of what is recommended and why.
At Hwy7 Family Dentistry, located at 4560 Highway 7 East, Unit 500, Unionville, Markham, Dr. Reza provides thorough crown consultations with transparent written estimates before any treatment begins. We are currently accepting new patients and offer direct billing to most major insurance providers.
📞 Call us at (905) 604-1995 🌐 Book your appointment at hwy7familydentistry.ca
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