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Crowns: Vietnam vs Thailand for NZ patients (May 2026)
Crowns Vietnam vs Thailand for NZ patients: Picasso NZD 333-1,133, Thailand NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax), 14-16hr vs 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connecte...
For crowns, Picasso Dental Clinic in Vietnam quotes NZD 333-1,133 per unit (May 2026, 1 NZD = 15,000 VND) -- compared with Thailand at NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax) -- across a 1 trip of 5-7 days (often same-trip prep + fitting via in-house lab) itinerary, with a 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connected flight to Thailand vs 14-16 hours via one stop to Vietnam, written warranty terms (5 years for Zirconia and PFM, 5-7 years for CERCON HT, 7 years for Emax, 10 years for Lava, Lava Plus, and ORODENT), and brand-named materials (PFM (NZD 333), Zirconia (NZD 467), CERCON HT (NZD 533), Emax (NZD 600), Lava (NZD 733), Lava Plus (NZD 800), ORODENT (NZD 1,133)).
This page compares crowns at Picasso Dental Clinic in Vietnam against Thailand benchmarks for New Zealand patients. All prices are NZD, dated May 2026, with Picasso prices from the May 2026 Picasso price list (1 NZD = 15,000 VND) and country benchmarks from 2026 dental cost research.
The honest answer in one paragraph
Picasso saves NZD 200-300 per crown. For Kiwi patients, the practical decision turns on flight time (Vietnam 14-16hr via one stop vs Thailand 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connected), airfare (Vietnam NZD 1,200-1,800 return vs Thailand NZD 900-2,700 return), warranty enforcement (Picasso provides written SmileCare Global Warranty; Thailand terms vary by clinic), and brand traceability for future NZ maintenance.
Side-by-side crowns price comparison
All prices NZD, May 2026.
| Tier or material | Picasso Vietnam | Thailand | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-unit benchmark | NZD 333-1,133 | NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax) | Picasso saves NZD 200-300 per crown |
| Multi-unit case (×10) | varies by material — see the full pricing page | varies | Picasso saves NZD 200-300 per crown |
| Warranty period | 5 years for Zirconia and PFM, 5-7 years for CERCON HT, 7 years for Emax, 10 years for Lava, Lava Plus, and ORODENT | 2-5 years typical, with formal warranty at major Bangkok clinics; smaller clinics offer verbal warranty only | Picasso warranty documented in writing |
| Brands available | PFM (NZD 333), Zirconia (NZD 467), CERCON HT (NZD 533), Emax (NZD 600), Lava (NZD 733), Lava Plus (NZD 800), ORODENT (NZD 1,133) | varies by clinic | Brand traceability matters for NZ follow-up |
Total trip cost reality
Examples include treatment + return flights + accommodation.
| Single small case | Treatment | Return flight | 5 nights stay | Total NZD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay in NZ (private) | varies | NZD 0 | NZD 0 | varies – see /pricing/ |
| Picasso Vietnam | NZD 333-1,133 | NZD 1,200-1,800 | NZD 500-1,000 | varies |
| Thailand | NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax) | NZD 900-2,700 return | NZD 500-1,000 | varies – usually higher than Vietnam total once flight added |
For larger cases (10+ units, full-arch), the unit saving compounds; flight cost becomes a one-time charge against a large treatment value.
Travel and logistics – the practical difference for crowns
| Factor | Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from Auckland | 14-16hr via one stop | 11hr 55min direct from Auckland on Thai Airways or 15-18hr with connections |
| Airfare (return economy) | NZD 1,200-1,800 | NZD 900-2,700 return (seasonal); avg NZD 1,214 |
| Time zone shift from NZ | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Number of trips for crowns | 1 trip of 5-7 days (often same-trip prep + fitting via in-house lab) | similar protocol but higher airfare per trip |
| Recovery climate | Tropical (HCMC/Da Nang) or subtropical (Hanoi) | varies by Thailand destination |
Warranty and aftercare for crowns
| Factor | Picasso Vietnam | Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years for Zirconia and PFM, 5-7 years for CERCON HT, 7 years for Emax, 10 years for Lava, Lava Plus, and ORODENT (written, before treatment) | 2-5 years typical, with formal warranty at major Bangkok clinics; smaller clinics offer verbal warranty only. NZ dentists can service Straumann/Nobel work but generic Thai brands harder to source parts for. |
| Brand traceability | Branded materials and components (see the Picasso services guide) | varies – confirm in writing |
| NZ dentist support | Strong for Straumann/Nobel/Neodent components | Quality varies sharply between top Bangkok clinics and budget operators |
| Records bundle | Implant passport, shade record, CBCT (DICOM), warranty document | varies |
| English follow-up | email [email protected] | clinic-specific |
When Picasso Vietnam is the better choice for crowns
- Multi-tooth or full-arch cases where the unit saving multiplies.
- Cases needing premium-tier brands (Straumann/Nobel/Lava/ORODENT) that are servicable in NZ.
- Patients who prefer the 14-16 hour Asia trip over 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connected.
- Patients who value written warranty documentation dated before any flight is booked.
When Thailand may be the better choice for crowns
- You already have a Bangkok or Phuket trip planned and a named clinic with documented written warranty.
- A documented written plan from a named Thailand clinic beats Picasso’s on the specific case after total trip cost is added.
- The unit price gap is large enough to absorb the airfare difference for the specific case scale.
When you should stay in New Zealand for crowns
- Treatment value is under NZD 4,000 – flights to either country erode the saving.
- Acute pain or infection – urgent local care first.
- ACC-eligible – funded NZ providers only.
- Complex medical monitoring needed.
- Cannot commit to two trips for crowns.
Real Picasso case examples for crowns
| Case | Treatment | Picasso quote (incl flight) | Thailand quote (researched) | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland female, 45 | Crowns, moderate scope | NZD 333-1,133 + NZD 1,500 flight | NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax) + NZD 900-2,700 return | Vietnam typically wins on total trip cost |
| Wellington male, 58 | Crowns, complex case | per-case written quote | varies by Thailand clinic | Decision depends on documented Thailand clinic plan |
| Christchurch female, 50 | Crowns, single small unit | NZD 333-1,133 + NZD 1,500 flight | NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax) + NZD 900-2,700 return | Often stay in NZ if total plan under NZD 4,000 |
These are anonymised treatment patterns. Suitability and exact pricing depend on clinical examination – confirmed in writing before flights.
Safety questions to ask any overseas clinic for crowns
- What is the proposed material or implant brand and system code?
- What warranty applies, in writing, and what does it exclude?
- How many visits and trips does the protocol require?
- What records do I take home for my NZ dentist?
- Is the price quoted as a single line item, or are components separately priced?
- What happens if a component fails after I return to NZ?
- Are temporaries included between preparation and final fitting (where applicable)?
- Who is the lead clinician and what is their procedure volume for
If either Vietnam OR Thailand clinic cannot answer these clearly in writing, wait.
What your written Picasso crowns quote includes
Every Picasso NZD crowns quote returned before you book flights includes:
- Specific material or implant brand per site/tooth.
- Itemised NZD pricing using 1 NZD = 15,000 VND, dated on the quote.
- Number of trips required and expected duration of each.
- Whether temporaries, OPG, CBCT, and aftercare records are included or quoted separately.
- Warranty period (5 years for Zirconia and PFM, 5-7 years for CERCON HT, 7 years for Emax, 10 years for Lava, Lava Plus, and ORODENT).
- A clear note if a different treatment would be more conservative or appropriate.
There are no on-arrival surprises. If the day 1 examination changes the plan, the revised plan is given in writing.
Related reading
- Picasso Crowns guide
- Vietnam vs Thailand (all treatments)
- All country comparisons
- Picasso pricing
- SmileCare Global Warranty
- Is dental tourism safe?
Data sources
| Field | Source |
|---|---|
| Thailand crowns benchmark | 2026 Thailand dental cost research |
| Thailand travel & airfare | 2026 Thailand dental cost research |
| Picasso price source | the May 2026 Picasso price list |
| Conversion rate | 1 NZD = 15,000 VND |
| Page review | Dr. Emily Nguyen, Picasso Dental Clinic |
Next step
Send your photos, X-rays, and any Thailand or NZ crowns quote to [email protected]. Ask Picasso for a written NZD crowns plan showing brand, materials, trips, and exclusions before you book any flights. Quotes return within 24 hours, weekdays NZ time.
Request a free NZD quote · See Picasso Crowns guide · Compare more countries · Read about the warranty · Is dental tourism safe?
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · Founder and Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic group
Clinical focus: Cosmetic dentistry · Veneers · Smile design
Dr. Emily Nguyen founded Picasso Dental Clinic in 2013 (originally Serenity International Dental Clinic) and led its 2023 rebrand. She sets clinical standards across the group's six branches in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, and personally reviews cosmetic protocols including the Portrait Sitting workflow for veneers and smile makeovers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crowns cheaper at Picasso Vietnam or in Thailand?
Picasso crowns is NZD 333-1,133 per unit; Thailand is NZD 800 average (Zirconia/Emax). Picasso saves NZD 200-300 per crown. The deciding factor for Kiwi patients is total trip cost: a return flight to Vietnam is approximately NZD 1,500 vs NZD 900-2,700 return to Thailand. For small cases, the airfare gap matters more than the unit-price gap.
What warranty does Crowns carry at Picasso vs Thailand?
Picasso provides 5 years for Zirconia and PFM, 5-7 years for CERCON HT, 7 years for Emax, 10 years for Lava, Lava Plus, and ORODENT, documented in writing under the SmileCare Global Warranty before treatment. Thailand: 2-5 years typical, with formal warranty at major Bangkok clinics; smaller clinics offer verbal warranty only. NZ dentists can service Straumann/Nobel work but generic Thai brands harder to source parts for.
How many trips does Crowns need in Vietnam vs Thailand?
Picasso: 1 trip of 5-7 days (often same-trip prep + fitting via in-house lab). Thailand: similar protocol but the 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connected flight and NZD 900-2,700 return airfare make multi-trip cases significantly more expensive per round-trip than Vietnam.
What brands or materials are used for Crowns at Picasso vs Thailand?
Picasso uses PFM (NZD 333), Zirconia (NZD 467), CERCON HT (NZD 533), Emax (NZD 600), Lava (NZD 733), Lava Plus (NZD 800), ORODENT (NZD 1,133). Thailand clinics vary -- confirm in writing which brand and material is being used and whether replacement components are sourceable in NZ if the work needs servicing years later.
What happens if my crowns fails after I return to New Zealand?
Picasso provides records (implant passport, material/shade record, X-rays, warranty documents) that NZ general dentists can use to perform routine maintenance. Components from Straumann, Nobel Biocare, and Neodent are sourceable through NZ distributor channels. For warranty work beyond NZ scope, return travel to Picasso costs NZD 2,400-3,600 per round trip vs NZD 1800-5400 for Thailand.
Who would you recommend Picasso Vietnam over Thailand for Crowns?
Kiwi patients with multi-tooth or full-arch cases where the unit saving multiplies, patients who prefer a 14-16 hour Asia trip over 11hr 55min direct or 15-18hr connected, and patients who value the documented written 5-10 year warranty backed by Straumann/Nobel/Neodent brand traceability.
Who would you recommend Thailand over Picasso Vietnam for Crowns?
You already have a Bangkok or Phuket trip planned and a named clinic with documented written warranty; or you have a documented written plan from a named Thailand clinic that beats Picasso's on your specific case after total trip cost is added; or your case is a single small unit where the absolute lowest unit price matters more than aftercare access.
What records should I bring back from Thailand or Vietnam for Crowns?
From either country: implant passport (brand, fixture diameter, length, system code, torque values) where implants are involved; material/shade record for veneers and crowns; OPG and CBCT files (DICOM format preferred for CBCT); written warranty terms; treatment summary; and aftercare instructions. Picasso provides all of these as standard.