Real prices from real clinics. Materials compared, same-day options explained, and everything you need to plan your trip — from a single crown to a full 3-unit bridge.
Dental crowns and bridges in Chiang Mai cost 60–80% less than the equivalent treatment in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia — using the same modern materials and digital milling technology. In 2026, a single zirconia crown typically ranges from ฿16,000–฿22,000 (~$471–$647 USD), while a PFM crown starts at ฿8,000 (~$235 USD). A standard 3-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth runs from ฿24,000–฿66,000 (~$706–$1,941 USD) depending on material.
This guide covers verified 2026 prices from Chiang Mai clinic websites, explains each material in plain terms, and gives you a realistic picture of what to expect — from initial consultation through to flying home with a permanent restoration.
Here's the short answer. Full breakdowns by material and clinic are below.
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 34 THB. Prices per tooth unless stated. Temporaries, scans and extractions are charged separately if required.
The table below covers every major crown and bridge option available in Chiang Mai. Prices sourced from clinic websites and verified dental tourism platforms, current as of May 2026.
| Procedure | Price (THB) | Price (USD~) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFM Crown Porcelain-fused-to-metal; non-precious alloy |
฿8,000 – ฿18,000 | ~$235 – $529 | Cheapest option. Strong, proven. Metal show possible at gumline |
| Full Zirconia Crown (monolithic) High-strength all-ceramic; no metal |
฿16,000 – ฿22,000 | ~$471 – $647 | Best durability. Biocompatible. Most popular choice in Chiang Mai |
| E.max Crown (lithium disilicate) Glass-ceramic; superior translucency |
฿17,000 – ฿22,000 | ~$500 – $647 | Best aesthetics for front teeth. CIDC lists from ฿17,000 |
| Gold / Full-Cast Metal Crown High-noble or base metal alloy |
฿20,000+ | ~$588+ | Price varies with gold weight. Longest-lasting; ideal for hidden molars |
| Same-Day CEREC / CAD-CAM Crown Milled in clinic; 1–2 hour appointment |
฿20,000 – ฿22,000 | ~$588 – $647 | CIDC one-day crown ฿22,000. Kitcha CAD/CAM ฿20,000. Saves return visit |
| Temporary Crown (PMMA) Acrylic; interim while permanent is made |
฿1,000 – ฿2,000 | ~$29 – $59 | Often included in the preparation appointment. Lasts 2–8 weeks |
| 3-Unit Bridge (PFM) Replaces 1 missing tooth; 3 units total |
฿24,000 – ฿54,000 | ~$706 – $1,588 | Priced per unit × 3. Lower end reflects non-precious alloy base |
| 3-Unit Bridge (Zirconia) Replaces 1 missing tooth; all-ceramic |
฿48,000 – ฿66,000 | ~$1,412 – $1,941 | Chiang Mai at the lower end of the Thailand-wide range |
| Implant-Supported Bridge (3 units) 2 implants + bridge; no tooth grinding |
฿85,000+ | ~$2,500+ | Higher with premium brands (e.g. Straumann). Preserves adjacent teeth |
| Post & Core Build-Up Strengthens damaged tooth before crown |
฿2,000 – ฿5,000 | ~$59 – $147 | Extra charge; needed when remaining tooth structure is insufficient |
| X-Ray / CBCT Scan | ฿150 – ฿3,500 | ~$4 – $103 | Often included in consultation. Confirm before booking |
The material you choose affects aesthetics, durability, price, and how long the crown lasts. Here's a plain-English breakdown of every option available in Chiang Mai.
A porcelain layer bonded over a metal base. Proven technology with a strong track record. The most affordable fully-covered crown option, and still widely used for back teeth where heavy chewing forces are expected.
Downside: The metal margin can show as a grey or dark line at the gumline, especially as gums recede with age. Less translucent than all-ceramic options. Some patients have sensitivities to base metal alloys.
High-strength all-ceramic with no metal component. Extremely durable, fully biocompatible, and kind to opposing teeth. Available in monolithic (solid) or layered (more aesthetic) versions. The most popular choice for dental tourists in Chiang Mai.
Downside: Monolithic zirconia can appear slightly opaque compared to natural teeth. Layered zirconia or E.max is preferred for visible front teeth where maximum aesthetics are the priority.
A glass-ceramic with the closest appearance to natural tooth enamel. The go-to material for front teeth and smile-zone restorations where aesthetics are paramount. Matches the light-transmitting qualities of real teeth exceptionally well.
Downside: Less strong than zirconia under heavy biting force. Not ideal for patients who grind their teeth or for molar crowns under high occlusal stress. Consider a night guard post-treatment.
The longest-lasting crown material available. Gold alloys are gentle on opposing teeth, have an excellent marginal fit, and tolerate heavy chewing forces better than any ceramic. Preferred by some dentists for hard-to-reach lower molars.
Downside: Appearance. Gold crowns are rarely used on visible teeth. Final cost depends on current precious metal pricing and gold content, so always confirm the quote at the time of treatment.
CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacture) allows a dentist to design and mill a ceramic or zirconia crown in-clinic within 1–2 hours. No temporary crown, no second visit, no waiting. Available at CIDC (Nordic milling), Grace Dental (CEREC) and Kitcha Dental (on-site lab) in Chiang Mai.
Note: Not every case qualifies — complex bite situations or multi-unit bridges typically still require lab fabrication. The technology adds 10–30% to the cost of a standard crown but saves a return trip.
An acrylic or resin provisional crown placed immediately after tooth preparation while the permanent crown is being fabricated. Protects the prepared tooth, maintains bite alignment, and preserves aesthetics during the lab phase (typically 3–7 days).
Note: Temporaries are not designed for long-term use. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods, and have the permanent crown fitted as soon as possible. Often included in the preparation appointment at no extra charge.
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the adjacent natural teeth (or implants). Which type suits you depends on how many teeth are missing, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and your budget.
The most common type. Crowns are placed on the two teeth flanking the gap (abutments), with a false tooth (pontic) suspended between them. Fixed and stable, it functions like natural teeth.
A conservative option that bonds metal or ceramic wings to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal or no drilling. Ideal for front teeth where aesthetics and preservation of healthy tooth structure are priorities.
The pontic is supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth rather than two. Used in areas of the mouth with lower biting forces where only one suitable abutment is available.
Two or more dental implants placed in the jaw serve as the anchors instead of natural teeth. The bridge is then attached to the implant abutments. No neighbouring teeth are touched at all.
Verified pricing from clinic websites and published fee schedules, current as of May 2026. Clinics that do not publicly list prices are noted — contact them for a personalised quote.
PFM standard alloy ฿11,000–฿14,000. Gold alloy from ฿20,000. E.max ฿17,000. Zirconia ฿19,000. Same-day CAD/CAM (one-day crown) ฿22,000 — the only clinic to publish a dedicated same-day price.
Full CIDC Profile →PFM non-precious ฿12,000. PFM palladium ฿16,000. PFM semi/precious from ฿18,000. All-ceramic crown ฿16,000–฿18,000. Published price list available on their website.
Full GrandDent Profile →All-ceramic crown or bridge ฿16,000–฿18,000 per tooth. Temporary acrylic ฿1,000–฿2,000. Gold options priced by weight. Includes a 2-year warranty on crown and bridge work.
Full Dental World Profile →Broad published range of ฿9,000–฿28,000 per tooth covers all materials. CAD/CAM restoration ฿20,000. Implant + zirconia crown package ฿50,000–฿90,000 per unit. On-site lab enables faster turnaround.
Full Kitcha Profile →Crown and bridge published at ฿8,000–฿15,000 per tooth — one of the more affordable ranges for confirmed clinic data in Chiang Mai. Material breakdown available via direct enquiry.
Full DC Dental Profile →Approximate range of ฿10,000–฿18,000 for zirconia and CEREC crown work. Full official price list not published — contact for an itemised quote. One of a small number of Chiang Mai clinics offering CEREC same-day technology.
Full Grace Dental Profile →No crown or bridge pricing currently published publicly. Well-regarded by the expat community for communication and quality. Request an itemised quote for your specific case before comparing.
Full Dental4U Profile →No crown or bridge pricing currently published publicly. Specialises in cosmetic dentistry and restorative work. Obtain a written quote — Empress is frequently mentioned in dental tourism forums for high-quality aesthetic outcomes.
Full Empress Profile →No crown or bridge pricing published. Positioned at the premium end of the Chiang Mai market. Best approached with a full treatment plan and request for a comprehensive quote to compare value.
Full Elite Profile →The savings are significant. A zirconia crown that costs $1,200–$2,500 in the US or Australia can be placed in Chiang Mai for $471–$647 — using the same modern CAD/CAM technology and materials.
| Procedure | Chiang Mai 🇹🇭 | USA 🇺🇸 | UK 🇬🇧 | Australia 🇦🇺 | Canada 🇨🇦 | Saving vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia Crown (per tooth) | $471 – $647 | $1,200 – $2,500 | £1,000 – £2,000 | AUD$1,200 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $2,300 | 60 – 80% |
| E.max Crown (per tooth) | $500 – $647 | $1,200 – $2,500 | £1,000 – £2,000 | AUD$1,200 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $2,300 | 60 – 80% |
| PFM Crown (per tooth) | $235 – $529 | $900 – $1,800 | £700 – £1,400 | AUD$900 – $1,800 | $800 – $1,600 | 55 – 75% |
| 3-Unit Zirconia Bridge | $1,412 – $1,941 | $3,600 – $7,500 | £3,000 – £6,000 | AUD$3,500 – $7,000 | $3,000 – $6,500 | 60 – 80% |
| 3-Unit PFM Bridge | $706 – $1,588 | $2,700 – $5,400 | £2,100 – £4,200 | AUD$2,700 – $5,400 | $2,400 – $4,800 | 55 – 75% |
Western figures based on published dental fee surveys and dental tourism platforms, 2025–2026. Savings are consistent even after accounting for flights (typically $400–$1,200 from Australia/UK) and accommodation in Chiang Mai at $25–$80/night.
The right choice depends on whether you still have the tooth root in place, how many teeth are missing, the condition of neighbouring teeth, your budget, and how long you can stay in Chiang Mai.
| Your Situation | Likely Best Option | Approx. Cost (THB) | Days Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooth is damaged but root is still present | Crown on natural tooth | ฿8,000 – ฿22,000 | 1 (CEREC) or 5–7 |
| One missing tooth; neighbours are healthy and strong | Traditional 3-unit bridge | ฿24,000 – ฿66,000 | 5–10 |
| One missing tooth; prefer not to alter healthy neighbours | Single implant + crown | ฿50,000 – ฿90,000 | 2 trips (3–6 months apart) |
| Front tooth missing; minimal tooth preparation preferred | Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge | ฿20,000 – ฿35,000 approx. | 5–7 |
| Multiple missing teeth; no suitable adjacent abutments | Implant-supported bridge | ฿85,000+ | 2 trips |
| Cost is the primary constraint; function over aesthetics | Partial denture (removable) | ฿5,000 – ฿20,000 | 3–5 |
Most crowns and bridges require two clinic visits. Same-day (CEREC) crowns collapse this into a single appointment. Here's what to expect for each route.
X-rays and/or CBCT scan. Clinical examination of the tooth and surrounding gum. Discussion of material options, costs and timeline. A written treatment plan is provided.
The tooth (or teeth, for a bridge) is shaped under local anaesthesia to create space for the crown. A digital scan or traditional impression is taken. A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect the prepared tooth.
Your permanent crown or bridge is crafted in a dental laboratory. Many Chiang Mai clinics use in-house or nearby labs, keeping this phase to 3–5 days for most cases.
The temporary is removed, the permanent restoration is tried in, bite is checked and adjusted, and the crown or bridge is cemented. Any minor adjustments are made at this visit.
Examination and confirmation that your case is suitable for same-day milling. Tooth preparation is performed under local anaesthesia in the same appointment.
A 3D intraoral scan captures the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth. The dentist uses CAD software to design the crown digitally, choosing the correct shape, size and colour match.
The crown is milled from a ceramic or zirconia block in the in-clinic machine. It is then polished, glazed and fitted. The entire process from preparation to cemented crown takes approximately 1–2 hours.
Understanding what's in — and what's extra — prevents unwelcome surprises when you arrive in Chiang Mai.
Two patients can receive what appears to be the same procedure and pay very different amounts. Here's what moves the needle.
The single biggest factor. PFM is the most affordable, zirconia and E.max are mid-range but close in price, and gold/high-noble alloys vary with precious metal prices. Upgrading from PFM to zirconia typically adds ฿6,000–฿10,000 per tooth.
International-standard clinics with JCI accreditation or specialist prosthodontists charge more than general practices. For complex multi-unit cases or high-aesthetic smile-zone work, the premium is often worth it.
Same-day CEREC or in-house CAD/CAM milling typically adds 10–30% to the cost of a standard crown compared to an external lab. For dental tourists, the convenience of a single visit often outweighs the extra cost.
Front teeth in the smile zone require greater aesthetic precision — more chair time and often more expensive materials (E.max rather than monolithic zirconia). Back molar crowns can use more economical PFM or zirconia without compromising appearance.
Volume discounts are sometimes available when multiple crowns or a larger bridge are needed. Full-mouth or smile makeover packages can be negotiated directly with clinics for 4+ crowns.
Teeth that require pre-treatment — extractions, root canal work, post/core build-ups, or gum treatment — add to both the time and cost. Clinics will identify these at the initial consultation and include them in the treatment plan.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, modern ceramic crowns and bridges should serve you well for a decade or more. Here's what determines longevity — and what to do before flying home.
PFM: 10–15 years with good care.
Zirconia: 15–20+ years — currently the most durable all-ceramic option.
E.max: 10–15 years, slightly less than zirconia under heavy loads.
Gold: 20+ years — the longest of all materials.
Bridges: Similar to their crown materials; longevity also depends on the health of the abutment teeth or implants.
Decay developing under the crown or bridge (most preventable with good brushing and flossing). Fracture from grinding or clenching — ask about a night guard if you're a bruxer. Cement failure (a crown coming loose). Gum disease affecting abutment teeth or implants. Trauma.
Full treatment records and clinical notes. Digital X-rays or CBCT files on a USB drive. Laboratory invoice with material name and brand. Warranty terms in writing (many clinics offer 1–5 years; confirm what's covered and what triggers a return visit). Written aftercare instructions.
A crown or bridge placed in Chiang Mai can be checked, adjusted, or recemented by any competent dentist worldwide — treatment is internationally standardised. Minor sensitivity in the first 2–4 weeks post-cementation is normal. Contact your Chiang Mai clinic for warranty-related remakes; for routine checks or minor adjustments, any local dentist can help.
Questions patients actually ask before booking crown or bridge treatment in Chiang Mai.
Yes — CIDC, Grace Dental and Kitcha Dental all use CEREC or CAD/CAM milling for same-day crowns in high-quality ceramic or zirconia. It's ideal for straightforward cases and saves your return visit, but not every tooth or clinic qualifies. Complex bite situations or multi-unit bridges may still require lab fabrication. Modern milled materials deliver excellent clinical quality.
Bridges are faster, cheaper and non-surgical, but they require reshaping two healthy adjacent teeth permanently. Implants preserve all neighbouring teeth and prevent bone loss at the extraction site. Most Chiang Mai dentists recommend implants for younger or healthy patients. Bridges are the preferred option when speed or budget is the priority, or when implant surgery is contraindicated. Our implants guide covers costs in full.
See a local dentist promptly — recementing a crown is a quick and inexpensive procedure at any practice. Keep the crown clean and avoid trying to reattach it yourself. Contact your Chiang Mai clinic with your treatment records; many provide warranty cover for remakes within a specified period. A well-fitted crown that comes loose is usually straightforward to recement locally.
Most Chiang Mai clinics offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or IV sedation with a licensed anaesthesiologist. Dental anxiety is very common among tourists visiting for larger treatment plans, and clinics are experienced in accommodating nervous patients. Mention your concerns at the consultation — a tailored approach can be arranged before your first treatment session.
Temporary crowns (PMMA acrylic) typically last 2–8 weeks safely, though they can hold longer with care. They are not sealed as precisely as permanent crowns and can cause mild sensitivity. Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods and have the permanent crown fitted promptly. Most dental tourists in Chiang Mai have their permanent crown placed within the same 5–10 day visit, so the temporary is rarely needed for more than a week.
Some private dental insurance plans will reimburse a portion of overseas treatment — submit itemised receipts and full clinical records. NHS cover does not extend to elective dental work performed abroad. Some expat health policies do include dental tourism provisions. Verify your specific policy before travelling and keep all documentation: treatment plans, material certificates, X-rays and original receipts.
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