Porcelain-fused-to-metal, E-max and zirconia — from 3500 MDL
A dental crown protects a damaged or root-canal-treated tooth and restores its shape, function and natural colour. At Diplomat Med Center in Chișinău, the prosthodontist selects the type of crown based on the tooth position, your bite and your wishes.
The price of a dental crown in Chișinău starts from 3500 MDL for porcelain-fused-to-metal, 7000 MDL for E-max and 7000 MDL for zirconia. Warranty of up to 18 months and, if needed, a crown in 24 hours.
When do you need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are prosthetic restorations placed over a tooth that has lost part of its tissue in order to restore its shape, function and appearance. A crown protects a weakened tooth from further damage and allows normal chewing.
- The tooth is badly damaged and a filling no longer holds.
- After root canal treatment — a devitalised tooth becomes brittle.
- Cracks, chips or marked enamel wear.
- Aesthetic defects: shape, colour or position of the tooth.
- On an implant — the crown replaces the visible part of a missing tooth.
- As an abutment for a dental bridge.
Types of dental crowns: what to choose
Each material has its own advantages. The doctor will recommend the best option after the examination.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
3500 MDL
- Metal framework with a ceramic layer
- High strength for chewing
- Lifespan of 10–15 years
- 12-month warranty
Metal-free E-max ceramic
7000 MDL
- Ivoclar E-max ceramic, no metal
- Maximum aesthetics in the smile zone
- Minimal tooth preparation
- 18-month warranty
Zirconia
7000 MDL
- Certified Upcera zirconia
- Biocompatible, does not cause allergies
- Lifespan of 15–20 years
- 18-month warranty
Porcelain-fused-to-metal, zirconia or ceramic: comparison
Which crown to choose? Compare the main types of dental crowns.
| Criterion | Porcelain-fused-to-metal | E-max ceramic | Zirconia |
| Aesthetics | Good | Excellent | Very good |
| Strength | High | Good | Very high |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 10–15 years | 15–20 years |
| Contains metal | Yes | No | No |
| Recommended area | Back teeth | Front teeth | Front and back teeth |
| Price | 3500 MDL | 7000 MDL | 7000 MDL |
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown consists of a strong metal framework covered with a ceramic layer. It combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of ceramics. Placement requires significant tooth reduction, since both layers of material must fit. For many years porcelain-fused-to-metal was considered the “gold standard” of prosthetics thanks to its durability and versatility: with proper care these crowns last 10–15 years.
Ceramic crowns
Ceramic crowns have no metal framework and are made entirely of ceramic. Their main advantage is high aesthetics: they closely imitate a natural tooth and are ideal for the smile zone and front teeth. Only minimal tooth reduction is needed. Modern materials such as pressed E-max ceramic withstand considerable loads and are successfully used even on back teeth.
Zirconia crowns
Zirconium dioxide crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of ceramics. Zirconia restorations are biocompatible, do not cause allergic reactions and last 15–20 years. Thanks to digital design and CAD/CAM milling they are made with high precision and suit both front teeth and molars.
Dental crown prices in Chișinău
How much a dental crown costs at Diplomat Med Center — on a natural tooth and on an implant.
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on a tooth | 3500 MDL |
| E-max ceramic crown on a tooth | 7000 MDL |
| Zirconia crown on a tooth | 7000 MDL |
| Temporary crown on a tooth | 1000 MDL |
| Crown fixation on a tooth | 400 MDL |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown on a JD Italia implant | 6000 MDL |
| E-max ceramic crown on an implant | 7000 MDL |
| Zirconia crown on an implant | 7000 MDL |
| Zirconia crown on a Korean implant | 8000 MDL |
| Zirconia crown on a Neodent Straumann implant | 9000 MDL |
| Temporary crown on an implant | 4000 MDL |
| Crown fixation on an implant | 400 MDL |
| Metal post and core inlay | 1000 MDL |
| Impression (one arch) | 650 MDL |
| Prosthodontist consultation (examination and treatment plan) | 500 MDL |
The final cost is determined after a consultation with the prosthodontist. Full price list →
Fabrication time and warranty
| Type of crown | Time | Visits | Warranty |
| Zirconia crown | 5 working days | 2–3 | 18 months |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | 7 working days | 2–3 | 12 months |
| E-max crown | individual | 2–3 | 18 months |
Times are approximate. The warranty applies if the doctor’s recommendations are followed, oral hygiene is maintained and check-ups take place at least once every 6 months.
Crown in 24 hours
- A single crown on a natural tooth — within 24 hours.
- A single crown on an implant — within 48 hours.
- Up to three crowns — within 72 hours.
The surcharge for express fabrication is 30% of the restoration price. Available when clinical and technical conditions allow, without skipping the necessary quality-control steps.
How a crown is placed
Consultation and diagnostics
Examination, X-ray and choice of crown type.
Tooth preparation
Treatment, tooth preparation, impression or scan and a temporary crown.
Crown fabrication
The crown is made in partner laboratories with CAD/CAM technology to match the colour and shape of your teeth.
Try-in and fixation
We check the bite and aesthetics, then fix the permanent crown.
Why Diplomat Med Center
- Individual plan: the prosthodontist chooses the material based on the tooth, bite and budget.
- Crowns on teeth and on implants: we work with JD (Italy), Osstem (Korea) and Neodent (Brazil) implants — see dental implants in Chișinău.
- Comprehensive treatment: crowns, bridges and dentures within a single plan — dental prosthetics in Chișinău.
- Prosthodontist with 15 years of experience: Serghei Smilicenko — zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal and ceramic crowns and veneers.
- Certified materials: Upcera zirconia and Ivoclar E-max ceramics, laboratories with CAD/CAM technology.
- Transparent prices: you know the cost of the crown before treatment starts.
Book an appointment with a prosthodontist
Find out which crown suits you and how much the treatment will cost.
+373 76 73 33 00; +373 79 93 33 00
Online booking: fill in the form on the website and we will contact you!
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Chișinău?
At Diplomat Med Center a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown costs 3500 MDL, E-max — 7000 MDL, zirconia — 7000 MDL. Crowns on implants cost from 6000 to 9000 MDL depending on the implant system and material (zirconia on an implant — from 7000 MDL).
Which crown is better: zirconia or porcelain-fused-to-metal?
Zirconia is more aesthetic, metal-free and lasts longer (15–20 years). Porcelain-fused-to-metal is more affordable and suits back teeth. For front teeth, zirconia or E-max is recommended.
How long does a dental crown last?
With proper hygiene and regular check-ups, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns last 10–15 years and zirconia crowns 15–20 years.
Is getting a crown painful?
No. The tooth is prepared under local anaesthesia, and fixing the permanent crown is painless.
Can a crown be placed on an implant?
Yes. Once the implant has integrated, a permanent crown is fixed — porcelain-fused-to-metal, E-max or zirconia. Learn more on the page dental implants in Chișinău.
Zirconia or ceramic — which to choose?
E-max ceramic gives the most natural translucency and is ideal for front teeth. Zirconia is stronger and suits both front teeth and molars. The prosthodontist recommends the material after the examination.
Which crown is used for front teeth?
Metal-free crowns made of E-max ceramic or zirconia are recommended for front teeth. They leave no dark line at the gum and look like natural teeth.
How long does it take to make a crown?
A zirconia crown takes about 5 working days and a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown 7 working days, over 2–3 visits. On request, a crown on a natural tooth can be made in 24 hours (30% surcharge).
What is the warranty on crowns?
12 months for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and 18 months for zirconia and E-max crowns — provided recommendations are followed and check-ups take place every 6 months.
Is the temporary crown included in the price?
No, it is paid separately: a temporary crown on a natural tooth costs 1000 MDL, on an implant — 4000 MDL.
How much does a prosthodontist consultation cost?
500 MDL — includes the examination and a prosthetic treatment plan. X-rays are paid separately (CT scan — 800 MDL).
Can I pay in installments?
Yes, prosthetic treatment can be paid in installments over up to 6 months. Details are discussed at the consultation.
Read also: Dental prosthetics · Dental bridges · Zirconium dioxide prosthetics · Veneers
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