A zirconia crown, also called a zirconium crown, is a tooth-coloured cap made from zirconium dioxide — a strong, metal-free ceramic — that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. Zirconia crowns in Turkey are designed digitally with CAD/CAM, milled from solid ceramic blocks, and finished in the clinic’s in-house laboratory.
Zirconia crowns in Turkey typically cost between €180 and €350 per tooth a fraction of UK, US, German or French prices for the same material. At Maltepe Dental Clinic, every crown is metal-free zirconium dioxide, designed with CAD/CAM and finished in the in-house laboratory. You can see the exact per-tooth prices on our dental treatment price list.
| Country | Zirconia Crown (per tooth) | Savings in Turkey |
|---|---|---|
| 🇹🇷Turkey | €180 – €350 | — |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | €700 – €1,100 | up to 75% |
| 🇺🇸United States | €950 – €2,300 | up to 75% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | €400 – €800 | up to 75% |
| 🇫🇷France | €450 – €850 | up to 75% |
The before and after results below show real Maltepe Dental Clinic patients restored with zirconia crowns in Istanbul, from single damaged teeth to full-mouth restorations. Each crown was designed with CAD/CAM and finished in the clinic’s in-house laboratory to match the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth.
The dentists and medical team behind your crowns at Maltepe Dental Clinic specialise in restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and aesthetic dentistry, led by chief dentist Dr. Yusuf Ilhan (GDC 304923) and including Dr. Alper Gürhan, a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). Each crown case is planned by the treating dentist and produced with the in-house laboratory.
The zirconia crown reviews below come from verified Google profiles of Maltepe Dental Clinic patients. MDC holds a 4.8/5 Google rating across 375+ reviews, and patients from the UK, Germany, France and the USA describe their crown treatment and results in their own words.
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Zirconia crowns, also called zirconium crowns, are dental crowns made from zirconium dioxide — a tooth-coloured ceramic known for its strength and biocompatibility. The names are used interchangeably: “zirconia” refers to the ceramic itself (zirconium dioxide), while “zirconium” is the underlying element. Because they contain no metal, zirconia crowns blend naturally with surrounding teeth and suit both front and back teeth, as well as patients with metal sensitivities.
A crown covers the entire tooth, which is what separates it from a veneer that covers only the front surface. When a tooth is badly damaged, weakened or root-treated, a crown restores its full structure and function.
Note on Terminology Confusion
In some countries, including Turkey, the term “veneer” is commonly used to describe all types of dental restorations. As a result, patients may encounter terms such as “zirconium veneer” or “full veneer.” In most cases, these treatments actually refer to zirconium crowns, not traditional laminate veneers as zirconium is not used as a raw material for traditional laminate veneers.
For this reason, we always clarify the exact type of restoration during consultation to ensure full transparency and proper treatment planning.
Zirconia crowns fix four common problems: severely damaged teeth, weakened teeth after root canal or large fillings, aesthetic concerns like discolouration or shape, and cases where a patient has a metal allergy. The four cards below show whether your situation matches a typical crown case.
Extensive decay, fractures, or cracks.
Imperfections that detract from a uniform look.
Discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth.
Seeking a metal-free alternative to traditional crowns.
The main benefits of zirconia crowns are strength, a natural tooth-coloured appearance, biocompatibility, a metal-free structure and versatility for both front and back teeth. Because zirconia is more opaque than some materials, it can also mask a dark or discoloured tooth underneath.
The zirconia crown process in Turkey follows five steps, usually completed in a single trip (5-10 days) and 3 appointments. It runs from the first consultation and tooth preparation through to cementing the final crown and checking the bite.
Examination, tooth preparation (reshaping), and taking precise impressions.
A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent zirconium crown is custom-fabricated.
Checking the aesthetics and fit of the crown before the final placement.
The custom-made zirconium crown is bonded securely to your tooth.
Try out your new crowns with real Turkish food, and then we’ll make the final adjustments before you depart for home.
Zirconia is a strong material, but the raw block is only part of the result. Preparing the tooth properly, designing the crown carefully in the lab and adapting it precisely matter just as much for durability and appearance. These points come from MDC’s experience treating and re-treating crown cases from clinics across Europe, Turkey and the USA.
Zirconia crowns are materially strong. However, patients often compare different zirconia brands when making their decision. While the quality of the raw material is crucial for a successful treatment, other factors are equally critical: preparing the teeth properly, designing the crowns carefully in the lab, and adapting them precisely to achieve both durability and aesthetics.
You may have been quoted a “zirconium veneer” at another clinic. In most cases that is actually a zirconia crown, which covers the whole tooth, not a veneer that covers only the front surface. Neither is better in the abstract — they suit different cases — but they are different treatments, and it helps to know which one you are actually being offered. If a thin front-surface restoration is what you need, our porcelain veneers page explains that option.
Here is one example where the crowns were designed in bulk and connected without precise adaptation or aesthetic detail. Let’s watch how our in-house lab and experienced dentist corrected the case.
Common Questions About Zirconium Crowns
Zirconium crowns are recommended if you have severely chipped, worn, decayed, crowded, or heavily filled teeth, old metal-ceramic crowns you dislike, or if you need crowns on implants or bridge abutments. They are often used for full-smile makeovers when both strength and aesthetics are required.
The number of zirconium crowns needed depends on your smile line, tooth condition, and desired change. In some cases, a visible improvement is possible with 4–6 upper front crowns, while more comprehensive smile makeovers may require 10–20 crowns across upper and lower arches. At Maltepe Dental Clinic, many smile designs are completed by restoring just the upper 4–6 front teeth when the rest of the teeth are healthy.
Zirconium crowns come in a wide range of shades — from Hollywood white to natural tooth tones. They can be customized using the full E.max® and VITA color scales, allowing you to choose the exact shade that best matches your smile.
We use CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing) technology to design and mill zirconium crowns with high precision. Digital impressions are created virtually, then milled and layered with E.max® or VITA porcelain to achieve a natural appearance.
The porcelain layering is a critical part of the aesthetic outcome of zirconium crowns, and this is where the handcraft skills of our talented ceramists play a key role. While technology ensures accuracy and fit, the artistic expertise of our ceramists and dentists is what truly brings your crowns to life with natural aesthetics and realism.
Zirconium crown treatment typically involves three to four dental visits:
First Phase – Preparation & Impressions: Your dentist listens to your expectations, examines your teeth, and prepares them for crowns. Impressions are taken, and temporary crowns are placed for protection.
Second Phase – Lab Design: Using CAD/CAM technology, crowns are digitally designed and crafted in the dental lab. Our in-house lab completes this within 2-4 days.
Third Phase – Rehearsal & Fitting: The crowns are tested for aesthetics and fit. Adjustments, if needed, are made quickly before the crowns are polished and permanently cemented.
Final Check: After a few days of use, you’ll return for a bite adjustment to ensure perfect comfort and alignment.
Zirconium crowns are known for their exceptional durability and can last 15-20 years or even longer with proper care and regular dental check-ups.
Zirconium crowns typically cost between €180 and €300 per tooth in Turkey. Pricing can vary based on factors such as the clinic’s experience, the quality of the zirconia blocks used, and the dental laboratory’s skill and technology.
Providing an exact estimate without evaluating the patient’s dental condition can be misleading, as each case may require different treatment approaches. In some situations, additional procedures may also be recommended alongside zirconium crown treatment.
To receive a free online consultation and a transparent, personalised treatment plan, please contact us.
Because zirconium crowns are metal-free and hypoallergenic, they are an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies. For patients who request a very bright or “Hollywood white” smile, zirconia can also be an advantage. Its more opaque structure allows for whiter, less translucent shades compared to some E-max veneers, provided this aligns with your expectations and facial aesthetics.
However, veneer treatment is less invasive than zirconium crown treatment. For this reason, as a clinic policy, we always recommend choosing the least invasive treatment option whenever your natural teeth are suitable for it.
Compared with full porcelain crowns, zirconium crowns are generally stronger and more fracture-resistant, often providing a longer lifespan. In contrast, porcelain can offer slightly higher translucency in some front-tooth cases.
Compared with porcelain veneers, zirconium crowns are less conservative (with greater tooth reduction) but provide full coverage and maximum reinforcement for severely damaged or misaligned teeth. Veneers are better when teeth are healthy and minimally crooked; zirconia crowns are preferred when teeth are worn, broken, heavily filled, or need major reshaping.
Zirconium crowns and dental implants serve different purposes but often work together. A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once the implant fuses with the bone (after about 2–6 months), a zirconium crown is attached on top to restore the tooth’s function and aesthetics. Simply put — the implant is the foundation, and the zirconium crown is the visible tooth.
Teeth whitening is a short-term, non-invasive solution that lightens natural teeth using laser and bleaching agents like Opalescence®. Results vary and typically last about one year, with limited control over the final shade.
Zirconium crowns, on the other hand, offer a long-lasting smile makeover. They allow you to choose your desired color, correct discoloration, chips, cracks, or misalignment, and reshape your teeth for a flawless look.
If you are looking for a permanent aesthetic improvement rather than temporary whitening, zirconium crowns or veneers (if your teeth are suitable) are ideal options.
At Maltepe Dental Clinic, we follow minimally invasive dentistry standards — usually, only 1–2 mm of the tooth surface is gently filed around to ensure a perfect crown fit. For crooked or damaged teeth, slightly more reduction may be needed, but we always preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Yes, absolutely—unless the zirconium crowns are connected for specific health-related reasons. Zirconium crowns require the same care as natural teeth. Daily flossing and regular dental check-ups help maintain healthy gums and ensure your crowns remain clean and long-lasting.
Yes, in many cases, zirconium crowns can help correct mild to moderate overbite or crossbite issues. However, for severe cases, orthodontic treatment or even orthognathic surgery may be necessary. You can send us your smile photos for a free online consultation to determine the best treatment plan for your case.
Each smile is unique, and treatment recommendations depend on your tooth condition and aesthetic goals. In addition, in Turkey many clinics use the term “veneers” to describe all types of restorations, including crowns, which can cause confusion. Terms such as “zirconium veneer” or “full veneer” most often refer to a zirconium crown, as zirconium is not used as a raw material for traditional laminate veneers.
At Maltepe Dental Clinic, we recommend zirconium crowns instead of laminate veneers when teeth require stronger coverage or structural correction. Our dentists always aim to choose the most conservative and clinically appropriate option t
No, zirconia crowns do not darken or discolor over time. Their stain-resistant surface keeps your smile bright and natural-looking for many years.
Use a fluoride toothpaste with a non-abrasive formula to protect both your zirconia crowns and natural teeth while keeping your smile strong and healthy.
Yes, with advancements in dental ceramics, zirconium crowns can be highly aesthetic and are often used for front teeth due to their natural appearance and strength.
The tooth preparation is done under local anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience. Any post-procedure sensitivity is usually mild and temporary.
You should care for zirconium crowns just like natural teeth: brush twice daily, use floss or interdental brushes between teeth and under bridge pontics, and attend professional cleanings every 6–12 months. Well-polished zirconia is gentle on opposing teeth, but habits such as grinding, nail-biting, and chewing ice should be avoided; a night guard is recommended for bruxers. Yes, you can and should floss between crowned teeth to protect both the crowns and the supporting gums.
Discover the perfect combination of strength and aesthetics. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and determine if zirconium crowns are the right choice for you.
