The zirconium capsule (crown). it is today the standard for covering a devitalized, reconstructed or very damaged tooth: resistant, biocompatible and with an aesthetic that metal-ceramic does not achieve. But how much does it cost? In this guide you will find the price per element in Italy and in our price list, the specific case of the upper molar, and why the internal laboratory changes the final bill.
What is a zirconium capsule
The capsule is a "shell" that entirely covers a prepared (filed) natural tooth to protect it and restore its shape and function. Lo zirconium (zirconium oxide) it is a highly resistant technical ceramic: it is milled with CAD/CAM technology from rough blocks, then sintered and characterized with aesthetic ceramics in the front sectors.
Unlike metal-ceramic, it does not contain metal: no gray border on the gums over the years, no risk of reactions to metals, translucency similar to natural teeth. It is the material we use by default on ours too zirconium crowns.
How much does it cost: price table
| Voice | Average price in Italy | From Sanitadental Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Zirconium capsule (per element) | €600 – €1.200 | €250 |
| Metal-ceramic capsule (per element) | €500 – €900 | €180 |
| Temporary resin capsule | €50 – €150 | included |
| Preliminary root canal treatment (if necessary) | €150 – €400 | listed in writing in the plan |
Italian prices = indicative market averages; our quote is written, signed and blocked for 30 days.
The price is per element and it does not change between incisor and molar: the zirconium is milled from solid in both cases. On multiple jobs (bridges, rehabilitation of multiple elements) we apply dedicated conditions: you can find them in the guide on zirconium crown prices.
The case of the upper molar
Many patients specifically ask about the cost of Zirconium crown for an upper molar, often after a root canal or the fracture of an old filling. Three things to know:
1. The price does not change. Anterior or molar, the zirconium capsule costs €250 with us: the molar requires more material but the CAD/CAM milling makes the difference irrelevant.
2. On the molar, zirconium is a technical choice, not just an aesthetic one. The upper molar supports the highest chewing loads in the mouth: the flexural strength of zirconium (over 900 MPa for monolithic qualities) makes it ideal, superior to traditional ceramics.
3. Pay attention to the underlying tooth. If the molar has been devitalized for years or very destroyed, a post or reconstruction may be needed before the capsule: we evaluate this during the visit and write it in the estimate, without subsequent surprises.
Phases, times and duration
The standard route requires two sessions: tooth preparation, impression (digital or traditional) and temporary; after 3-5 days in the laboratory, testing and cementation of the definitive capsule. With our internal laboratory, times are reduced: for patients who come from Italy we concentrate everything in a few days.
The average lifespan of a well-made zirconium crown is 10-15 years and above: depends on hygiene, checks and absence of incorrect habits (unprotected bruxism, chewing of hard objects). We provide a written guarantee on our prosthetic works.
Because with us it costs €250 instead of €600-1,200
In Italy a good part of the price of a capsule is the invoice from the external dental laboratory, which is added to the firm's structural costs (rent, staff, depreciation) and the professional's margin. We produce the capsules in internal laboratory with our own CAD/CAM milling machines and we operate in a context - Tirana - where operating costs are much lower. Italian colleagues do not overprice for quality: they have objectively different costs. Same certified material, same digital flow, different account. To organize work from Italy, write to us from the page contacts.
