What Are Zirconia Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, weakened or aesthetically compromised tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance. Zirconia (zirconium dioxide) is the material the crown is made from — and it represents a significant leap forward from older crown types.
Zirconia is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium — a material so hard it's used in industrial cutting tools. In dentistry, it's milled from solid blocks using CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology, producing restorations with extraordinary precision. The result is a crown that is biocompatible, metal-free, highly strong and — in its modern layered form — convincingly translucent and lifelike.
Traditional crowns were hand-crafted by dental technicians — a process relying entirely on individual skill. CAD/CAM milling produces crowns digitally designed from a 3D scan of your prepared tooth and milled from a single block with sub-millimetre accuracy. The fit is more predictable, the margin is tighter, and the result is more consistent.
Zirconia vs Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Why Zirconia Wins
For decades, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns were the standard. A metal substructure provides strength; porcelain layered on top provides appearance. But PFM crowns have significant disadvantages that zirconia entirely avoids:
| Feature | Zirconia Crown | PFM Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Metal content | None (metal-free) | Metal substructure |
| Grey gum line | No — impossible | Yes — common over time |
| Metal allergy risk | Zero | Possible with nickel alloys |
| Strength | 900–1,200 MPa | 400–600 MPa |
| Chipping risk | Very low | Moderate — porcelain can chip |
| Translucency | High (layered zirconia) | Moderate |
| MRI safety | Fully MRI-safe | May interfere |
| Expected lifespan | 15–20+ years | 10–15 years |
The verdict is clear: for most patients, full zirconia is the superior choice. PFM crowns are still used in some clinical situations, but in modern cosmetic dentistry — particularly for full smile restorations — zirconia has become the standard of care.
Cost: Zirconia Crowns in Turkey vs the UK
The price difference between Turkey and the UK for zirconia crowns is dramatic — and it has nothing to do with material or quality differences. It's a function of lower clinic overhead, lower dental technician wages, and a favourable exchange rate.
The saving on a full set of 20 zirconia crowns at Smile Inn Turkey versus an equivalent UK treatment is typically £13,000–£20,000 — enough to pay for flights and hotel ten times over. Our all-inclusive package at £3,199 includes hotel accommodation, VIP airport transfers, your English-speaking coordinator, temporaries and the final zirconia restorations.
The Procedure: What Happens Step by Step
Zirconia crown treatment at Smile Inn Turkey is typically completed across one trip of 5–7 days. Here's exactly what to expect:
Day 1: Consultation & Digital Planning
Your first appointment covers a full clinical examination, digital X-rays, intraoral 3D scanning and your digital smile design preview. We discuss shade, shape and your aesthetic goals before any treatment begins.
Day 2: Preparation & Temporaries
The teeth receiving crowns are gently prepared (a small amount of enamel is removed to create space for the crown). Digital impressions are taken and sent to our in-house lab. Temporary crowns are fitted so you leave the clinic with a complete smile — never without teeth.
Days 3–4: Lab Fabrication
Your zirconia crowns are CAD/CAM milled in our on-site laboratory from Vita Zahnfabrik blocks, then hand-stained and characterised by our ceramist to match your desired shade and natural appearance.
Day 5: Try-In & Final Fitting
Your finished crowns are tried in before bonding — you approve the fit, colour and appearance. Adjustments are made if needed. The crowns are then permanently bonded using dental cement. You leave with your final result.
After Your Return Home
Your coordinator remains contactable. A 5-year written guarantee covers all zirconia restorations. We recommend a check-up with your local dentist at 6 months and annually thereafter.
Longevity: How Long Do Zirconia Crowns Last?
With proper care, zirconia crowns routinely last 15–20 years or more. Published clinical studies show 10-year survival rates above 95% for full zirconia crowns — significantly outperforming PFM in long-term studies. Zirconia does not stain, does not corrode and does not develop the gum-line greying that older metal-based crowns are known for.
Zirconia crowns require the same care as natural teeth: brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid biting extremely hard objects (ice, hard boiled sweets). If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard — we include one in our E.max package, and can add one to any treatment plan on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
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