AUD cost guide
Dental crown cost in Vietnam vs Australia — 2026 AUD guide
Porcelain dental crown at Picasso Dental Clinic Vietnam from AUD 395 (zirconia) to AUD 680 (Lava Plus) per tooth vs AUD 1,700–3,000 at Australian private clinics. Full AUD breakdown by material, private health fund item codes, and break-even analysis.
A porcelain crown at Picasso Dental Clinic costs from AUD 395 (zirconia) to AUD 680 (Lava Plus) per tooth — compared with typical Australian private clinic quotes of AUD 1,700–3,000 per crown. For patients needing 3 or more crowns, the trip economics become strongly favourable.
Dental crowns cover a tooth that is too damaged, decayed, or weakened for a filling to hold. At Picasso, the full range of ceramic materials is available — from budget-conscious zirconia at AUD 395 to high-translucency Lava Plus at AUD 680. Australian private patients typically pay AUD 1,700–3,000 per crown for the same materials.
Crown prices at Picasso — May 2026 (AUD)
| Material | Price per crown (AUD) | Warranty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | AUD 395 | 10 years | Posterior (molar) teeth; maximum strength |
| Emax (lithium disilicate) | AUD 510 | 7 years | Front teeth; best aesthetics |
| Lava (zirconia-based) | AUD 620 | 10 years | Posterior with higher aesthetic demand |
| Lava Plus | AUD 680 | 10 years | Lava with enhanced translucency |
All are ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-ceramic crowns. The material is selected based on the tooth’s location in the arch, the bite load it carries, and the aesthetic requirements.
Australian private crown cost benchmarks
| AU scenario | Typical range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Single crown (posterior, zirconia) | AUD 1,700 – AUD 2,200 |
| Single crown (anterior, Emax) | AUD 2,200 – AUD 3,000 |
| 3-crown bridge | AUD 5,500 – AUD 8,000 |
| 6-crown case | AUD 10,000 – AUD 18,000 |
All-in comparison — 6 Emax crowns
| Line item | Picasso Vietnam (AUD) | AU private mid (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Emax crowns | AUD 3,060 | AUD 15,000 |
| OPG and CBCT | AUD 65 | AUD 400 |
| Return flights SYD–HCMC | AUD 1,000 | n/a |
| 8 nights accommodation | AUD 620 | n/a |
| Contingency | AUD 300 | n/a |
| Total | AUD 5,045 | AUD 15,400 |
| Net saving | ~AUD 10,350 | — |
For fewer crowns (1–2), the saving over AU private is real but modest after trip costs. Crowns work best economically when combined with other treatment — veneers on adjacent teeth, whitening, or implants.
Private health fund rebates — item codes
| Item code | Description | Typical rebate |
|---|---|---|
| 613 | Porcelain-fused crown (PFM or all-ceramic) | Varies by policy |
| 611 | Full ceramic/porcelain crown | Varies by policy |
| 627 | Crown — gold alloy | Not applicable for Picasso ceramics |
| 022 | OPG | AUD 30–60 |
Crowns are typically covered under major dental on most private health fund extras policies. Keep itemised invoices from Picasso with item codes to claim on return to Australia.
Which material is right for your case?
The material is not a pure preference choice — it is a clinical recommendation based on:
Zirconia (AUD 395): Very high strength. Ideal for molars where bite force is greatest. Slightly less translucent than Emax, which matters less at the back of the mouth.
Emax (AUD 510): Lithium-disilicate ceramic. Best combination of strength and aesthetics. Standard choice for upper front crowns and premolars. The most commonly used material in smile makeovers.
Lava (AUD 620) and Lava Plus (AUD 680): Zirconia core with enhanced translucency layer. For posterior cases where both strength and better aesthetics are required.
Your written quote will specify the material with the clinical reason. You are not selecting from a menu — the dentist recommends, you confirm.
What affects the crown quote
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Number of crowns | More crowns — more total, same per-tooth rate |
| Tooth position | Front vs back influences material recommendation |
| Root canal status | Root canal treated tooth may need a post-and-core before the crown |
| Gum condition | Active gum disease is treated before crown preparation |
| Existing filling size | Large existing filling may affect prep design |
Post-and-core if needed: AUD 115 (composite build-up) to AUD 225 (cast metal post and core). These are identified from X-rays before travel and quoted in the written plan.
Read next
- Crowns — main treatment page
- Veneers — if the tooth is aesthetic but structurally sound
- Crown cost: AUD price breakdown
- Smile makeover cost
- Root canal cost
- Free quote
Frequently asked questions
How much do dental crowns cost at Picasso?
Crown prices at May 2026: Zirconia AUD 395; Emax AUD 510; Lava AUD 620; Lava Plus AUD 680. All are full-coverage ceramic crowns — no metal substructure on the standard porcelain lines. The material choice depends on the tooth's position, load, and aesthetic requirements.
How much do dental crowns cost in Australia privately?
Typical Australian private crown quotes are AUD 1,700–3,000 per tooth depending on material, tooth location, and clinic. Front tooth Emax crowns in Sydney or Melbourne may quote above AUD 2,500. Medicare does not cover crowns for adults.
Does private health fund cover crowns?
Yes — crowns are a major dental item covered by most private health fund extras policies. Item code 613 (porcelain-fused crown) or 611 (full porcelain crown) typically applies. Rebate depends on your fund, policy tier, and annual major dental limit. Submit itemised Picasso invoices with the relevant item codes on return to Australia.
How many crowns make the trip worthwhile?
At 3 crowns on Emax (AUD 510 each = AUD 1,530 at Picasso), return flights and accommodation cost roughly AUD 1,600–2,000. The saving versus AUD 1,700–3,000 per crown in Australia is marginal at 3 crowns alone. The trip makes better economic sense when crowns are combined with other work — veneers, implants, or a full smile makeover.
What is the difference between zirconia and Emax crowns?
Zirconia (AUD 395) is the strongest ceramic and is most commonly used for posterior (molar) crowns where bite force is highest. Emax (AUD 510) is a lithium-disilicate ceramic with better aesthetics and translucency — commonly used for front teeth where appearance is the priority. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate material based on the tooth's position and load.
Can I get a crown and a veneer in the same trip?
Yes — crowns and veneers are routinely combined in the same treatment plan and the same trip. A common scenario is: upper front teeth receive Emax veneers, a previously root-canal treated upper lateral receives an Emax crown, and lower front teeth receive Zoom whitening to match shade. The trip timeline is the same 7–10 days.