Porcelain Veneers İstanbul

Multidisciplinary scientific editor: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Oğuz Öztoprak – Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Clinical scientific review: The sections on tooth preparation, restorative materials and prosthetic application are clinically reviewed before publication by the relevant prosthodontist or restorative dentist.
Last updated: 22 July 2026

A porcelain crown is one of the fixed restorations used to rebuild the shape, function and appearance of teeth whose support has been reduced by decay, fracture, wear, a large filling or other structural causes.

The treatment commonly called a “porcelain veneer/crown” usually refers to a crown restoration that encircles most of the visible part of the tooth. A crown does not merely cover the tooth from the outside with a white layer. Placed over the prepared natural tooth, it rebuilds the shape of the tooth, its contact with neighbouring teeth and its occlusal relationship with the teeth in the opposing jaw.

Porcelain crowns can be prepared with different substructures. In conventional metal-ceramic crowns, the metal substructure that provides durability is covered with tooth-coloured porcelain. Today, metal-free ceramic systems such as zirconia and E-max are also used. For this reason, “porcelain crown” is not the name of a single material but a general term that can cover different ceramic and substructure options.

The treatment decision should not be made only to have whiter teeth. The existing natural tooth tissue, gum health, root and bone support, occlusal forces, bruxism and more conservative treatment alternatives should be evaluated together.

In the porcelain crown planning carried out at Dentapolitan in Istanbul, besides the appearance of the teeth, gum health, jaw occlusion, chewing function, the smile line and the patient’s facial features are considered together.

What is a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown is a fixed dental restoration placed over a prepared natural tooth or, in suitable cases, over an implant.

A porcelain crown generally consists of the following parts:

• A metal or ceramic substructure that provides durability
• A porcelain layer that creates the tooth colour and surface appearance
• The dental adhesive cement that bonds the restoration to the natural tooth

In metal-ceramic restorations, the inner part is usually made of a metal alloy and the outer surface of tooth-coloured feldspathic porcelain. In all-ceramic systems, zirconia, lithium disilicate or other ceramic materials may be used instead of a metal substructure.

A porcelain crown having a beautiful colour alone is not enough. The fit of the margin where it meets the tooth, its contact with neighbouring teeth, its relationship with the gum, its cleanability and the forces it meets during occlusion directly affect long-term health.

In which situations can a porcelain crown be applied?

A porcelain crown can be considered in the following situations:

• In teeth that have lost their structural support because of a large filling
• In fractured or cracked teeth
• In teeth with significant loss of substance after root canal treatment
• In rebuilding severely worn teeth
• In renewing old, ill-fitting or fractured crowns
• In advanced discolouration that cannot be sufficiently corrected by whitening
• When there is a marked disorder in the shape or size of the tooth
• In preparing a bridge for missing-tooth areas in suitable cases
• In crowns and bridges on implants
• In comprehensive rehabilitations where the occlusal height needs to be rebuilt

Not every discoloured, crooked or misshapen tooth needs to be crowned. For mild colour changes teeth whitening; for small shape disorders composite restoration; for limited front-surface problems porcelain laminate veneers; and for crowding orthodontic treatment may be more conservative.

Who may a porcelain crown not be suitable for?

In some cases, other treatments may be needed before a porcelain crown, or a different restoration may be more appropriate.

The situations that should be carefully evaluated are:

• Active gum disease
• Untreated decay
• Infection at the root tip
• Severely mobile teeth
• Insufficient periodontal bone support
• A tooth fractured below the gum level in a way that cannot be restored
• A very short clinical crown and insufficient retention
• Uncontrolled clenching or grinding
• Lack of sufficient occlusal space for the restoration
• Very young and largely intact teeth
• Crowding that can be corrected more conservatively with orthodontic treatment
• Insufficient oral hygiene

Reducing healthy teeth circumferentially for a full crown for aesthetic reasons alone is an irreversible procedure. Therefore, especially in young patients, less invasive options should be evaluated before a crown decision is made.

What are the types of porcelain crowns?

The term porcelain crown can cover different materials and production methods.

Metal-ceramic (metal-supported porcelain) crown

In metal-ceramic crowns the inner part is made of a metal alloy. The metal substructure provides the restoration with rigidity and durability; the outer surface is covered with tooth-coloured porcelain.

Because they have been used for many years, there is extensive clinical experience with metal-ceramic crowns. Studies have reported that the five-year survival of metal-ceramic single crowns is high. However, survival does not mean the restoration is used without any maintenance or complication.

Metal-ceramic crowns may be considered especially in the following situations:

• When high mechanical durability is required in posterior teeth
• In multi-unit bridges
• When the available restoration space is suitable for a metal-ceramic design
• When a dark tooth substructure needs to be masked
• When a system with a long clinical track record is preferred

Disadvantages include the metal substructure limiting light transmission and, if gum recession occurs, a dark line becoming visible at the crown margin.

Zirconia-based porcelain crown

In these restorations a white zirconia substructure is used instead of a metal substructure. Aesthetic porcelain layers can be applied over the zirconia.

A zirconia substructure can help prevent the grey reflection caused by metal. However, cracking or chipping can occur in the porcelain layer over it. Particularly in multi-unit bridges, the design, connector areas and occlusal forces should be planned carefully.

All-ceramic porcelain crown

All-ceramic restorations are made entirely of ceramic material. The lithium disilicate systems known as E-max belong to this group.

These restorations may be preferred especially for single front teeth, in cases where natural light transmission and aesthetics are prioritised. However, the durability and area of use of every all-ceramic material are not the same.

Porcelain laminate veneer

A porcelain laminate veneer is different from a full crown. It is a thin ceramic restoration usually applied only to the front surface of the tooth.

In laminate treatment the amount removed from the tooth tissue is generally less than in a full crown. Nevertheless, the tooth structure, the amount of existing enamel, the occlusion and bruxism must be suitable.

Since Dentapolitan has a separate treatment page for porcelain laminate veneers, it is important not to confuse the two treatments.

What is a metal-ceramic (metal-supported porcelain) crown?

A metal-ceramic crown is a crown or bridge restoration that has a thin metal substructure inside and whose outer surface is covered with tooth-coloured porcelain.

The main task of the metal substructure is to support the restoration against chewing forces. The porcelain layer over it creates the natural tooth colour and shape.

The metal substructure is usually not directly visible in the mouth. However, especially in patients with a thin gum structure, or when gum recession develops over time, a dark appearance may occur at the crown margin.

This does not happen with every metal-ceramic crown. The margin position of the crown, the gum thickness, the alloy used, the tooth preparation and periodontal health affect the appearance.

How is the evaluation made before a porcelain crown?

Porcelain crown treatment is not merely taking an impression of the teeth and sending it to the laboratory. Before treatment, it should be evaluated whether the tooth really needs a crown and whether it can provide long-term support.

The following are examined at the examination:

• Decay, fractures and old fillings
• Remaining healthy tooth tissue
• The vitality of the tooth
• The need for root canal treatment
• Root and bone support
• Gum health
• Gum recession
• Contact with neighbouring teeth
• Lower and upper jaw occlusion
• Jaw movements
• Bruxism and wear findings
• The smile line
• The dental and facial midline
• The patient’s aesthetic and functional expectations

When necessary, intraoral radiographs, panoramic imaging, digital intraoral scanning, photographic records and occlusal analysis may be performed.

In cases where more than one front tooth will be changed, the planned tooth dimensions can be evaluated before treatment with digital smile design or temporary mock-ups.

How is a porcelain crown made?

The treatment process may vary according to the number of teeth to be treated and the need for additional treatment.

1. Completion of tooth and gum treatments

If there is active gum disease, decay or infection, it is treated first.

Impressions taken while the gums are bleeding and swollen can make it difficult to record the crown margins accurately. Therefore, a healthy gum environment is important for a correct marginal fit.

If old crowns are to be replaced, the restorations are removed and the real condition of the tooth tissue beneath is examined. The presence of decay, fracture or insufficient tooth support under the crown may change the treatment plan.

2. Controlled preparation of the tooth

The tooth to be crowned is prepared so as to create sufficient space for the porcelain and, if present, the substructure.

The amount of tissue to be removed depends on the following factors:

• The substructure to be used
• The porcelain thickness
• The current position of the tooth
• The colour of the tooth
• The amount of decay and filling
• The available space for occlusion
• The planned shape of the crown

The aim is to preserve as much healthy tooth tissue as possible while providing sufficient space for the restoration.

3. Impression or digital scanning

The prepared teeth can be recorded with a digital intraoral scanner or with conventional impression materials.

An accurate impression affects:

• the seating of the crown on the tooth,
• the marginal fit,
• the contact with neighbouring teeth,
• the occlusion with the teeth in the opposing jaw.

Digital scanning can facilitate the recording and production stages of treatment. However, the device alone does not guarantee a good restoration. Tooth preparation, gum control, design and laboratory application are all important together.

4. Preparation of temporary crowns

Until the permanent restoration is produced, the prepared teeth are protected with temporary crowns.

Temporary crowns can:

• reduce tooth sensitivity,
• prevent the tooth from shifting,
• support appearance and speech,
• help evaluate the occlusion and the planned tooth shape.

Temporary crowns are not as durable as permanent porcelain restorations. During this period, very hard and sticky foods should be avoided.

5. Substructure and porcelain try-in

Depending on the type of treatment, the metal or ceramic substructure can be checked in the mouth. Then the colour, shape and occlusal relationships of the porcelain are evaluated.

The following elements are examined at the try-in:

• The seating of the crown on the tooth
• The marginal fit
• The contact between teeth
• The occlusion
• Colour and light properties
• The length and width of the teeth
• The smile line
• Speech
• Harmony with the lips and face

6. Cementation of the crown

The restoration whose clinical and aesthetic checks are complete is fixed to the tooth with a suitable dental cement.

After cementation, excess cement is cleaned, and the floss passage and occlusal contacts are checked again.

How much are the teeth reduced when making a porcelain crown?

Because a porcelain crown encircles most of the visible part of the tooth, a certain amount of tissue must be removed from the different surfaces of the tooth.

The amount of reduction is not the same for every patient. It varies according to:

• Whether a metal or ceramic substructure is used
• The required porcelain thickness
• The position of the tooth in the mouth
• The amount of filling and decay in the tooth
• The colour of the tooth
• The occlusal distance
• The planned tooth shape

In metal-ceramic crowns, sufficient space must be created for both the metal substructure and the porcelain over it. A restoration prepared without enough space may look overly bulky or the porcelain layer may be insufficient.

The statement “the teeth are not reduced at all with a porcelain crown” is not correct for full crown treatment. At the same time, it is not necessary to reduce every tooth to a very small form. Conservative tooth preparation should be the basic principle.

Is root canal treatment necessary when making a porcelain crown?

Root canal treatment is not applied to every tooth that will receive a porcelain crown.

Root canal treatment may be needed in the following situations:

• If there is irreversible inflammation of the tooth nerve
• If there is an infection at the root tip
• If there is deep decay in the tooth
• If the nerve tissue has been damaged by trauma
• If there are earlier signs of pain and sensitivity
• If the structural condition of the tooth requires endodontic treatment

Performing routine root canal treatment on a healthy tooth simply because it will be crowned is not correct.

Temporary sensitivity may develop in some teeth after tooth preparation. However, pain that starts spontaneously, wakes you at night or gradually increases should be evaluated by the dentist.

Does a porcelain crown look natural?

With correct planning and customisation, porcelain restorations close to a natural appearance can be prepared. However, using porcelain alone does not guarantee a natural appearance.

The factors affecting naturalness are:

• The type of substructure
• The thickness of the porcelain
• The colour beneath the tooth
• Colour transitions
• Surface texture
• Incisal edge characteristics
• The length-to-width proportions of the teeth
• Harmony with the gum
• The smile line
• The relationship with the face and lips
• Laboratory customisation

A metal substructure can limit light transmission more than all-ceramic restorations. For this reason, in front regions where the aesthetic expectation is very high and the gum structure is thin, metal-free systems such as zirconia or E-max can be considered.

However, there is no strict rule that metal-free ceramic must always be used on every front tooth or that metal-ceramic must be preferred on every back tooth.

What is the difference between a porcelain crown and a porcelain laminate veneer?

The two treatments are not the same.

Porcelain crown

• Encircles most of the visible part of the tooth.
• Requires preparation of the different surfaces of the tooth.
• Can be used in teeth with large fillings, fractures or reduced structural support.
• Can be prepared as a single crown or a bridge.
• May cause more loss of tooth tissue.

Porcelain laminate veneer

• Is usually applied only to the front surface of the tooth.
• May require more limited tooth preparation.
• Can be used for aesthetic changes in largely intact front teeth.
• Is not used to complete a missing tooth with a bridge.
• Requires sufficient enamel tissue and suitable occlusion.

If the tooth is largely intact, a laminate veneer may be more conservative than a full crown for colour and shape changes only. In contrast, a full crown may be needed in teeth with large fillings or fractures.

What is the difference between a porcelain crown and zirconium?

The term “porcelain crown” is most often used to describe metal-ceramic crowns. In a zirconium crown, there is a zirconia-based ceramic substructure or monolithic zirconia instead of a metal substructure.

Metal-ceramic (metal-supported porcelain)

• Porcelain is applied over a metal substructure.
• Has a long clinical use history.
• Can be considered in multi-unit bridges.
• Can mask a dark substructure well.
• If the gum recedes, the dark substructure can become visible.
• Light transmission may be more limited.

Zirconium crown

• Has a white zirconia-based substructure.
• Does not create a grey reflection caused by a metal substructure.
• Can be prepared monolithic or porcelain-layered.
• Has different levels of durability and translucency.
• In porcelain-layered types the outer porcelain can fracture.
• The same zirconia type is not suitable for every bridge length.

The area of use of metal-ceramic crowns has changed not because their clinical lifespan is insufficient or because they are an outdated method, but because of aesthetic requirements and the development of new material options. There are evaluations showing that there is no great difference between the five-year survival of metal-ceramic and many all-ceramic single crowns.

What is the difference between a porcelain crown and E-max?

E-max is a lithium disilicate-based all-ceramic material. Metal-ceramic porcelain, on the other hand, consists of a metal substructure and the porcelain layer over it.

E-max:

• Generally offers high light transmission.
• Can provide an aesthetic advantage in single front-tooth restorations.
• Can be used in laminate veneers, inlays and onlays.
• Is not always suitable for very long bridges.
• Can be adhesively bonded to suitable enamel surfaces.

Metal-ceramic porcelain:

• Has a more opaque substructure.
• Can be useful in masking very dark teeth.
• Has a broader clinical history in multi-unit bridges.
• If the gum recedes, metal margin visibility can occur.
• Has less light transmission compared with all-ceramics.

Material choice should be based not only on the aesthetic appearance but on the remaining tooth tissue, the restoration length, the occlusal forces and the available space.

What are the advantages of a porcelain crown?

In suitable cases, the advantages of a porcelain crown are:

• Rebuilding the shape and function of a damaged tooth
• Circumferential support of a tooth with a large filling
• Being able to prepare a restoration close to the natural tooth colour
• Being able to adjust the colour, shape and size of the teeth
• High substructure rigidity in metal-supported systems
• Being able to be applied as a single crown and a bridge
• Being able to mask dark-coloured teeth
• Having a long clinical use history
• Being usable in restorations on implants
• Being able to reorganise a worn occlusion in selected cases

It is not possible to obtain all the advantages in the same way in every patient. The success of the restoration depends on correct indication, clinical application and care.

What are the risks and limitations of a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown requires irreversible tooth preparation. Possible risks are:

• Temporary or permanent tooth sensitivity
• Involvement of the tooth nerve
• The need for root canal treatment
• Cracks or fractures in the porcelain layer
• The crown coming off
• Decay developing under the crown
• Gum recession
• Gum inflammation
• The metal substructure becoming visible at the gum margin
• Colour or shape mismatch
• Loss of contact with neighbouring teeth and food impaction
• The occlusion left too high
• Tooth or root cracking
• Difficulty cleaning under a bridge
• Mechanical complications due to bruxism

Porcelain does not decay; but the natural tooth beneath it can decay. For this reason, the crown margin must be cleaned daily.

Does a porcelain crown cause darkening of the gum?

The metal substructure used in metal-ceramic crowns can create a grey or dark reflection, especially in a thin gum structure. When the gum recedes, the metal crown margin can become visible.

However, not every darkness at the gum margin is caused by the metal substructure.

Possible causes are:

• Gum recession
• A thin gum biotype
• The dark colour of the root surface
• Tartar accumulation
• Smoking
• Gum inflammation
• An ill-fitting crown margin
• Old metal fillings
• Discolouration of the tooth beneath

Gum health, the margin design of the crown and daily care are at least as important as the material used.

Does a porcelain crown cause odour?

A well-fitting and regularly cleaned porcelain crown does not cause bad breath on its own.

Odour can be associated with the following:

• Plaque accumulation at the crown margin
• Gum inflammation
• Decay under the crown
• Food accumulation under a bridge pontic
• Deterioration of the crown’s marginal fit
• Tartar
• Dry mouth
• Insufficient cleaning of the tongue and other areas of the mouth

If there is bleeding, a bad taste or persistent odour around the crown, a clinical examination should be performed instead of only using mouthwash.

Can porcelain crowns be whitened?

No. Teeth-whitening products do not lighten the colour of a porcelain crown.

If whitening is planned on natural teeth, the procedure should, if possible, be carried out before the crown colour is selected. In this way the new porcelain restorations can be prepared to match the tooth colour after whitening.

Whitening only the natural teeth after the crowns are made can create a colour difference between the restorations and the natural teeth.

Do porcelain crowns change colour?

The porcelain surface is more resistant to staining than natural tooth enamel. Nevertheless, plaque and external stains can accumulate on the porcelain surface.

Factors that may affect the appearance:

• Cigarettes and tobacco
• Tea and coffee consumption
• Deterioration of the surface polish
• Abrasion of the porcelain surface
• Gum recession at the crown margin
• Colour change of neighbouring natural teeth
• The colour of the tooth or cement under the crown

During professional cleaning, abrasive materials that could scratch the porcelain should be avoided.

Does a tooth decay under a porcelain crown?

Yes. The porcelain material does not decay; but the natural tooth under the crown can decay.

Decay usually starts at the margin where the crown meets the tooth.

The situations that increase the risk are:

• Insufficient brushing
• Not using dental floss
• Plaque accumulation at the crown margin
• Gum recession
• Deterioration of the crown fit
• Frequent consumption of sugary foods
• Dry mouth
• Neglecting regular check-ups

The crown completely covering the tooth does not mean it protects the tooth against decay for life.

Does clenching affect porcelain crowns?

Bruxism can increase the risk of mechanical complications in porcelain restorations.

In patients who clench or grind their teeth:

• Porcelain fracture
• The crown coming off
• Wear of the opposing teeth
• Tooth or root cracking
• Fracture at a bridge connector
• Screw loosening in crowns on implants
• Complaints of the jaw muscles and jaw joint

can be seen.

Before treatment, existing tooth wear, muscle tenderness, jaw movements and occlusal relationships should be evaluated. When necessary, a protective night guard can be planned.

Using a durable substructure does not eliminate all the risks created by bruxism.

How long does it take to make porcelain crowns?

The treatment time is not the same for every patient.

The factors affecting the time are:

• The number of teeth to be treated
• Removal of old crowns
• Treatment of decay and fillings
• The need for root canal treatment
• Gum treatments
• Evaluation of temporary crowns
• The number of substructure and porcelain try-ins
• Smile and occlusion planning
• The laboratory production process
• The patient’s aesthetic expectations

While a single crown can be completed in a short time, treatments covering more than one tooth and the occlusal scheme can take longer.

Giving all patients a fixed duration for a porcelain crown is not correct; the process may lengthen especially in cases requiring gum treatment, root canal treatment or comprehensive occlusal planning.

How long do porcelain crowns last?

A definite period of use valid for every patient cannot be given for porcelain crowns.

The main factors affecting the period of use are:

• The remaining healthy tooth tissue
• The root and bone support of the tooth
• The form of the tooth preparation
• The marginal fit of the crown
• The cementation procedure
• Oral hygiene
• Gum health
• Bruxism
• Occlusal forces
• Whether it is a crown or a bridge
• Regular check-ups

Evaluations of metal-ceramic single crowns have reported high five-year survival rates. However, “survival” does not mean the crown remained without any problem. In some restorations, procedures such as porcelain fracture, decay, the need for root canal treatment or re-cementation of the crown may be required.

For this reason, statements such as “a porcelain crown is used for life” or “it definitely lasts a certain number of years” are not scientifically correct.

How should care be taken after a porcelain crown?

Because porcelain crowns are in the same oral environment as natural teeth, they must be cleaned daily.

During care:

• The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day.
• The crown margins should be cleaned carefully.
• Dental floss or an interdental brush should be used between the teeth.
• The area under bridge pontics should be cleaned with special floss.
• Very hard objects should not be broken with the teeth.
• If there is bruxism, the recommended night guard should be used.
• Gum bleeding should not be neglected.
• Regular dental check-ups should be continued.

At check-ups, the crown margins, gum health, occlusion, cleaning under bridges and, when necessary, radiological findings are evaluated.

Why do porcelain crown prices vary in Istanbul?

Porcelain crown prices are not determined solely by the number of teeth to be treated.

The main elements that may affect the cost are:

• Whether a single crown or a bridge is made
• A metal or ceramic substructure
• The porcelain system used
• The number of teeth to be treated
• The front or back tooth region
• Removal of existing crowns
• The need for a filling or root canal treatment
• Gum treatment
• The extent of temporary restorations
• Digital smile and occlusion planning
• Application on an implant or on a natural tooth
• Laboratory customisation
• The number of try-ins

When researching porcelain crowns in Istanbul, one should not make only a price-per-tooth comparison. The material with which the treatment will be prepared, whether temporary crowns are included, additional tooth and gum treatments, the laboratory process and the long-term check-up plan should also be evaluated.

Why is occlusion important in porcelain crown planning in Istanbul?

Crowns are not only aesthetic structures visible during a smile. They meet significant forces while eating and during jaw movements.

The following relationships of the teeth should be evaluated together:

• Contact with the teeth in the opposing jaw
• Contacts occurring when the jaw moves forward and sideways
• Front-tooth guidance
• The force distribution of the back teeth
• Clenching and grinding
• The condition of the jaw joint and chewing muscles

Not organising the occlusion correctly can increase the risk of porcelain fracture, tooth sensitivity, the crown coming off or discomfort in the jaw muscles.

In porcelain crown planning at Dentapolitan, functional occlusion and the preservation of natural tooth tissue are considered as much as aesthetic appearance. Dentapolitan serves in Istanbul through its clinics in Bostancı, Ümraniye and Pendik.

Porcelain crown planning that preserves the natural tooth

In porcelain crown treatment the aim is not only to make the teeth white and even. The primary goal is to preserve the damaged tooth tissue, rebuild chewing function and improve the aesthetic appearance in harmony with the patient’s face.

The same material or the same tooth shape is not applied to every patient. While metal-ceramic may be a suitable option in some back-tooth and bridge cases, E-max or zirconia may be preferred in the aesthetic front region. In intact teeth, a porcelain laminate veneer, composite restoration, whitening or orthodontic treatment may be more conservative.

The treatment decision should be made by evaluating together the clinical and radiological examination, the remaining tooth tissue, gum health, jaw occlusion, bruxism, the smile line and the patient’s expectations.

This content has been prepared for general health information purposes. It does not replace an examination, diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan.