At a glance
- What is a zirconia crown? A cap that fully covers a damaged tooth or an implant, made of zirconia, a very strong metal-free ceramic.
- What are the benefits? High strength, good gum tolerance, no grey line at the gum and a natural appearance.
- Zirconia or E.max? Zirconia is stronger, ideal for molars and bridges. E.max is more translucent and often chosen for front teeth.
- How long in Turkey? About five to seven days: tooth preparation, digital impressions, lab fabrication and final fitting.
- How much does it cost in Turkey? On quote depending on the number of teeth. Crowns in Turkey cost between €140 and €210 each, compared with roughly £600 to £1,200 in the UK.
A broken or root-treated tooth, or an old metal crown that greys the gum: a zirconia crown protects the tooth and restores a natural look. In Turkey it is fitted in a single trip, at a fraction of UK prices.
What is a zirconia crown?
A dental crown covers the whole visible part of a damaged tooth, or is fixed onto a dental implant. Zirconia (zirconium oxide) is a very strong ceramic used without a metal framework. Crowns are designed and milled by computer (CAD/CAM) from a digital impression, which ensures a precise fit.
Zirconia, E.max or porcelain-fused-to-metal?
| Criterion | Zirconia | E.max (lithium disilicate) | Porcelain-fused-to-metal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very high | Good | High |
| Aesthetics | Very good, especially layered | Excellent, very translucent | Fair, possible grey line |
| Metal | No | No | Yes |
| Common use | Molars, bridges, implants | Front teeth | Older solution |
For front teeth, E.max is often preferred, including as veneers. For molars, bridges and implant crowns, zirconia is the most common choice thanks to its strength.
Monolithic zirconia
Milled from a single block, it is extremely strong and suits back teeth, which bear the most pressure.
Layered zirconia
A layer of porcelain is added for a more natural, luminous result, often used on visible teeth.
A good crown goes unnoticed: it matches the shape, shade and alignment of the neighbouring teeth.
Who are zirconia crowns for?
- a broken tooth or one badly damaged by decay;
- a root-treated tooth that has become more fragile;
- replacing an old metal crown;
- a crown on an implant or a bridge;
- a smile makeover when teeth are too damaged for veneers.
A crown requires preparing the tooth. When enamel is healthy and only the appearance needs correcting, a more conservative veneer is often preferable.
Treatment in one trip
- Day 1: examination, panoramic X-ray, treatment plan.
- Day 2: tooth preparation, digital impression and temporary crowns.
- Days 3 to 5: crowns made in the laboratory.
- Days 5 to 7: try-in, adjustments and final fitting.
Care and lifespan
Brush, floss or use interdental brushes as for natural teeth, with a check-up once or twice a year. Well looked after, a zirconia crown lasts many years.
What are the risks?
Temporary sensitivity after preparation, gum inflammation if the margin is poorly cleaned, rare debonding or fracture, and root canal treatment if the tooth reacts badly. A precise fit and good hygiene limit these risks.
How much does a zirconia crown cost in Turkey?
| Where | Indicative price per crown |
|---|---|
| Istanbul, Aram Clinic | On quote, crowns between €140 and €210 |
| London, private dentist | Around £800 to £1,200 |
| Elsewhere in the UK | Around £600 to £1,000 |
Indicative ranges; the Aram Clinic price is confirmed by a personalised quote. The package includes a 5-star hotel and transfers.
Our dentists
At Aram Clinic, zirconia crowns are made by dentists experienced in prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry in Istanbul. To replace a whole arch, see All-on-4 and All-on-6.
Frequently asked questions
Is zirconia visible?
No. Being metal-free, it leaves no grey line, and layered zirconia reproduces natural translucency well.
Can an old metal crown be replaced?
Yes, it is a common request: the dentist removes the old crown, checks the tooth and fits a zirconia crown.
Does the tooth need a root canal?
Not necessarily. A healthy living tooth can receive a crown; root canal treatment is only done if the tooth is affected.