Dental crowns, regardless of the type, can be made from various materials, each with its own unique properties and advantages. 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal:this type of crowns consist of a metal substructure covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain. The metal provides strength and durability, while the porcelain layer mimics the appearance of natural teeth, making PFM crowns a popular choice for restoring both strength and aesthetics. However, over time, the metal margin at the gum line may become visible as the gum recedes, affecting the appearance of the crown. It is often the cheapest solution and offered in countries where dental works are expensive. On the contrary, in countries where dental works are affordable, most of the time zirconium crowns are offered.

All-ceramic or all-porcelain: All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are made entirely of dental ceramic materials, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate. These crowns offer excellent aesthetics, with translucency and color similar to natural teeth, making them ideal for restoring front teeth or for patients with metal allergies. All-ceramic crowns are also highly biocompatible and resistant to staining.

Metal crowns: Metal crowns, such as those made from gold alloy or base metal alloys, are known for their exceptional strength and durability. These crowns are less likely to fracture or chip compared to other materials and are often recommended for restoring molars or teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces. However, their metallic appearance makes them less suitable for visible areas of the mouth.

Zirconia crowns: Zirconia crowns are made from a strong, tooth-colored ceramic material known as zirconium oxide. These crowns offer excellent strength, durability, and aesthetics, making them a versatile option for restoring both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns are highly biocompatible and can be customized to match the natural color and shape of adjacent teeth.

Tip: ask if your dentist or the specialist that will insert your dental implants and so dental crowns have their own laboratory and ask to visit the lab.

 The dental laboratory fabricates the crown using the chosen material (e.g., porcelain, metal, zirconia) and customizes it to match the color, size, and shape of the patient's natural teeth. The crown is designed to fit snugly over the implant and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. The dentist carefully checks the fit, bite, and aesthetics of the crown before permanently cementing it onto the implant. Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure optimal comfort and function.After cementing the crown, the dentist may make final adjustments to the crown's shape and contour to ensure proper occlusion (bite) and aesthetics. The patient is then provided with instructions for oral hygiene and care to maintain the crown and surrounding tissues.

Dental crowns provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring missing or damaged teeth, whether supported by natural teeth or dental implants. The cost of a dental crowns depends if the dental clinic has its own laboratory, what type of crown us used and where (what country) it is done.

Be careful, a dental crown cost alone means nothing, you need to add an abutment, an implant and a temporary crown.

At last what affect the cost and the type of crown is the protocol: all will depend if you plan an immediate loading in one trip or a two steps process.

Clinics and hospitals in Belgium is something local. As the country has Dutch and French speaking areas, most hospitals and clinics are managed by local municipalities. Also Belgium covers all type of treatment and the number of medical centers is well sorted between clinics and hospitals. Some hospitals offer a large number of beds and therefore the number of clinics and hospitals is not the main thing but the overall number of beds offered by all medical centers. Most clinics are around the capital, Bruxels but you will find clinics in Flemish part in Bruges, Ostend but also Ypres or Kortrijk, Many clinics are JCI accredited and well rated.

You can also find in Ghent a medical Universtiy as well as close to Antwerp. Bruxels and its surroundings offers by far the largest medical offer for local and international patients with various CHU or local Hospitals in Bruxels. Each block of the capital has its own hospital and when it comes to the French speaking part you will find CHU in Liege, Namur or Charleroy for instance. Dental centers are everywhere in Belgium but not so many have their own laboratories for dental implants and crown implants.