Zirconium Crowns İstanbul

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

A zirconium crown is one of the all-ceramic restoration options used to reshape teeth that are damaged, severely discoloured, misshapen or whose structural support has been reduced by a large filling. The technical name of the material known in dentistry as “zirconium” is zirconia or zirconium dioxide.

Zirconia is a white, mechanically highly durable dental ceramic that can be prepared with computer-aided design and manufacturing systems. There is not just one type of zirconium. Today, many zirconia materials with different durability, translucency and aesthetic properties are used. While zirconia in which high durability is prioritised may be preferred in posterior teeth, aesthetic zirconia options with higher translucency can be considered in anterior teeth.

A zirconium crown is not the first choice for every aesthetic expectation. In superficial colour, shape or minor position disorders, composite restorations, porcelain laminates, teeth whitening or orthodontic treatment can offer more conservative options. On the other hand, in cases where the tooth has lost a significant amount of substance, carries a large filling or needs full circumferential support, a zirconia crown can be a suitable option.

In the zirconium crown planning carried out at Dentapolitan in Istanbul, not only the colour of the teeth but also gum health, the amount of existing enamel, jaw occlusion, chewing forces, the smile line, the lip structure and the patient's facial features are evaluated together.

What is a zirconium crown?

A zirconium crown is a fixed, zirconia-based restoration placed over a prepared natural tooth or, in suitable cases, an implant.

Although it is called a “crown/veneer” in everyday language, the scientific name of a full tooth crown is a crown restoration. A crown surrounds not only the front surface of the tooth but the majority of its visible part.

Zirconia restorations can be prepared in different forms:

Monolithic zirconia

The majority or all of the restoration is produced from a single piece of zirconia. It can be preferred especially in posterior regions with high chewing forces and where restoration thickness is limited.

The main advantage of monolithic zirconia is the reduced risk of porcelain layer fracture in areas where there is no separate porcelain layer on it. Nevertheless, depending on the type of zirconia used, the aesthetics and translucency may vary.

Layered (porcelain-veneered) zirconia

Aesthetic porcelain layers are applied over the zirconia framework. It can allow the colour, surface texture and light properties to be arranged in detail, especially in the anterior region.

However, in porcelain-veneered zirconia restorations, chipping or fragment loss can occur in the outer porcelain. Scientific studies show that porcelain layer fracture, especially in multi-unit zirconia bridges, is one of the technical complications that must be taken into account.

Multilayer aesthetic zirconia

It is produced from new-generation zirconia blocks containing different colour and translucency layers. A natural colour transition from the neck region of the tooth towards the incisal edge can be aimed for.

Although new-generation high-translucency zirconias can offer more aesthetic results, as translucency increases, mechanical durability may decrease in some types of zirconia. For this reason, not every zirconia material is suitable for every region.

In which situations can a zirconium crown be applied?

A zirconium crown can be considered in the following situations:

• In teeth that have lost their structural support due to a large filling
• In fractured or cracked teeth
• In teeth with significant substance loss after root canal treatment
• In cases where advanced discolouration cannot be sufficiently resolved by whitening
• When there are marked disorders in the shape or size of the tooth
• In the renewal of old and ill-fitting crowns
• In selected cases where the occlusion and function need to be rearranged
• In single-tooth and bridge restorations on implants
• When a crown or a bridge of a suitable length is planned without using a metal framework

The decision for a zirconium crown should not be made based solely on the appearance of the teeth. Gum health, the remaining sound tooth tissue, the root structure, the bone support, occlusal forces and more conservative treatment alternatives must be evaluated together.

Who may a zirconium crown not be suitable for?

In some patients, other treatments may be needed before a zirconium crown, or a different restoration may be more suitable.

The situations that must be carefully evaluated are as follows:

• Active gum disease
• Untreated tooth decay
• Infection at the root tip
• Severely mobile teeth
• Insufficient bone and periodontal support
• A tooth fractured too deeply to be restored
• Very limited mouth opening
• Uncontrolled clenching and grinding
• Insufficient vertical space for the restoration
• Teeth that only need small aesthetic changes
• Crowding that could be corrected more conservatively with orthodontic treatment

Reducing all teeth for a full crown for aesthetic reasons alone, especially in young and healthy teeth, is an irreversible procedure. In these patients, options that may cause less tooth-tissue loss, such as whitening, orthodontic treatment, composite restoration or a porcelain laminate, must first be evaluated.

Are a zirconium crown and a zirconium implant the same thing?

No. A zirconium crown and a zirconia implant are different treatments.

A zirconium crown is the restoration made over a natural tooth or an implant abutment.

A zirconia implant, on the other hand, is the implant body placed inside the jawbone, produced from a zirconia-based material instead of titanium.

Because both can be referred to as a “zirconium tooth” in everyday speech, confusion can arise. The patient must be clearly told which part is produced from zirconia.

How is planning done before a zirconium crown?

The success of a zirconium crown does not depend solely on producing a beautiful tooth in the laboratory. Before treatment, the tooth, gum, face and occlusal relationships must be evaluated together.

The following topics are examined at the first examination:

• Decay, fractures and old fillings in the teeth
• The amount of remaining sound enamel and dentine
• The vitality of the teeth and the need for root canal treatment
• Gum health
• Periodontal bone support
• The amount of tooth and gum visible during smiling
• The colour, shape and size of the teeth
• The relationship between the lower and upper jaws
• Jaw movements
• Occlusal contacts
• Signs of clenching or grinding
• Existing crowns
• The patient's aesthetic expectations

When necessary, intraoral X-rays, panoramic radiography, digital scanning, photographic records and occlusal analyses are used.

In cases where the appearance of many anterior teeth will be changed, digital smile design or temporary mock-ups can be used. In this way, the approximate size, shape and relationship with the smile of the planned teeth can be evaluated before permanent tooth reduction and production.

How is a zirconium crown made?

The treatment process may vary according to the number of teeth to be treated, the existing restorations, the gum condition and the need for additional treatment.

1. Preparation of oral and gum health

Active decay, infections and gum diseases are treated first. Impressions taken while gum bleeding and swelling continue can adversely affect the marginal fit of the crown.

If old crowns are to be renewed, the restorations are removed and the actual condition of the underlying teeth is evaluated. The presence of decay, fracture or insufficient tooth tissue under the old crown can change the treatment plan.

2. Preparation of the teeth

The teeth to be crowned are prepared in a controlled manner so that the necessary space for the restoration is created. The amount of tooth tissue to be removed varies according to:

• The type of zirconia to be used,
• The current position of the tooth,
• The degree of colour change,
• The aesthetic and mechanical requirement of the crown,
• Existing fillings or fractures.

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

3. Taking a digital or conventional impression

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

A digital impression allows the teeth and occlusion to be transferred to a computer environment. However, the use of a digital scanner alone does not guarantee that the crown will be flawless. The tooth preparation, gum control and laboratory design must be done correctly.

4. Preparation of temporary crowns

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

Temporary teeth can help to:

• Reduce sensitivity,
• Prevent the teeth from shifting,
• Preserve appearance,
• Evaluate speech and occlusion.

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

5. Try-in and aesthetic evaluation

Before the permanent restorations are cemented, the following elements are checked:

• Seating on the tooth
• Marginal fit
• Contact with neighbouring teeth
• Occlusion
• Colour
• The shape of the teeth
• The smile line
• Speech
• Harmony with the patient's face and lips

Especially in cases where many anterior teeth are made, not only whiteness but also the proportions and naturalness of the teeth on the face must be evaluated.

6. Cementation

The crowns whose suitability is confirmed are fixed to the teeth with adhesive cements appropriate for the type of restoration and the tooth tissue.

The cementation protocol for zirconia is different from that of glass ceramics. The internal surface preparation of the restoration, the primer used and the cement material must be selected according to the clinical situation.

How much are the teeth reduced when a zirconium crown is made?

Because a zirconium crown is a full crown, a certain amount of tissue must be removed from around the tooth. However, the same amount of reduction is not done in all patients.

The factors affecting the amount of reduction are as follows:

• The current shape and position of the tooth
• The type of zirconia to be used
• The colour of the tooth
• The planned thickness of the crown
• Old fillings or crowns
• The amount of decay and fracture
• The space available for occlusion
• Aesthetic expectations

The statement that “teeth are not reduced at all with zirconium” is not correct for full crown treatment. Similarly, it would not be correct to say that in every zirconium treatment the teeth are reduced excessively.

Preserving healthy tooth tissue is the main aim. If a very limited aesthetic change is desired in the teeth, laminate or composite applications may be more conservative than a full crown.

Does a zirconium crown look natural?

With the appropriate choice of material, colour and form, natural-looking zirconium restorations can be prepared. However, using zirconia alone does not guarantee a natural appearance.

The main factors affecting naturalness are as follows:

• The translucency of the zirconia used
• The colour of the underlying tooth
• The thickness of the crown
• The surface texture of the teeth
• Colour transitions
• Incisal edge characteristics
• The border relationship with the gum
• The harmony of the teeth with the face and lips
• Laboratory and clinical craftsmanship

Very opaque and single-coloured restorations can look artificial. On the other hand, an overly translucent material may not sufficiently mask a dark-coloured underlying structure. The choice of material must be made according to the aesthetic expectation together with the condition of the underlying tooth.

Does a zirconium crown cause darkening of the gum?

In metal-based porcelain crowns, in some patients the dark image of the metal framework or the crown margin can reflect onto the gum edge. Because zirconia is a white framework, a metal-based grey reflection is not expected.

However, having a zirconium crown does not mean that no colour change or problem will ever be seen at the gum edge.

A dark appearance at the gum edge can occur for the following reasons:

• Gum recession
• The dark colour of the underlying root
• Old metal restorations
• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Tartar accumulation
• An ill-fitting crown margin
• Gum inflammation
• Smoking
• A thin gum biotype

For a healthy appearance, correct tooth preparation, marginal fit, gum health and daily care are as important as the material.

What are the advantages of a zirconium crown?

The advantages that a zirconium crown can provide in suitable cases are as follows:

• A white ceramic framework
• A metal-free restoration option
• High mechanical durability
• Suitability for computer-aided production
• The ability to use different types of zirconia in the anterior and posterior regions
• The ability to make a single crown and, in suitable cases, a bridge
• The absence of a metal-framework grey reflection
• The ability to prepare a restoration close to the natural tooth colour
• The ability to reduce the risk of outer porcelain fracture in monolithic use
• The ability to be used in restorations on implants

Not all of these advantages are the same for every zirconia material. For example, high-durability zirconia and high-translucency aesthetic zirconia may not show the same clinical characteristics.

What are the limitations of a zirconium crown?

A zirconium crown has some limitations and risks:

• Irreversible preparation of the tooth tissue
• Temporary or permanent tooth sensitivity
• Involvement of the tooth nerve and the need for root canal treatment
• The crown coming off
• Cracking or fracture in the porcelain layer
• The possibility of wear on the opposing tooth with monolithic zirconia
• Decay developing in the margin region
• Gum recession
• Gum inflammation
• Dissatisfaction with colour or shape
• The need to adjust occlusal contacts
• Mechanical complications due to bruxism
• Connector or pontic fractures in bridges

Zirconia does not decay; but the natural tooth beneath it can decay. In particular, poor cleaning of the crown margins or a deterioration in their fit can increase the risk of secondary decay.

Zirconium crown or E-max?

Although zirconium and E-max appear to be direct alternatives to each other, they are different ceramic groups.

Zirconium crown

• Generally offers higher mechanical durability.
• Can have a wider range of use in posterior teeth and bridges.
• Can provide an advantage in masking dark underlying structures.
• Has types with different levels of durability and translucency.
• Can be prepared as monolithic or porcelain-veneered.

E-max crown

• Is a lithium disilicate-based glass ceramic.
• Generally stands out for its high translucency and aesthetic properties.
• Can be preferred especially in single anterior tooth restorations, laminates, inlays and onlays.
• May not be suitable for every case with very long bridges or very high chewing forces.

There is no definite rule that E-max is always better in the anterior region and zirconia in the posterior region. The remaining tooth tissue, colour, restoration thickness, occlusal forces and the type of restoration to be made must be evaluated.

Zirconium crown or porcelain laminate?

A zirconium crown surrounds the majority of the tooth. A porcelain laminate, on the other hand, is mostly applied only to the visible front surface of the tooth.

A porcelain laminate may be more conservative in the following situations:

• If the majority of the teeth are sound
• If small colour or shape changes are desired
• If there is sufficient enamel tissue
• If the position of the teeth is suitable for a laminate
• If the occlusal forces can be controlled

A zirconium crown, on the other hand, may be more suitable in the following situations:

• If there is a large filling or significant substance loss in the tooth
• If the tooth needs circumferential support
• If advanced discolouration needs to be masked
• If an old crown is to be renewed
• If there is a fracture or structural weakness

Before a full zirconium crown is made on a sound tooth merely to make it look whiter, more conservative alternatives must be evaluated.

Zirconium crown or metal-based porcelain?

Metal-based porcelain crowns are restorations that have been used for many years and can be successful in suitable cases. The fact that zirconium has become widespread does not mean that metal-based porcelains are inadequate in every situation.

Situations in which zirconia may stand out:

• When a metal-free restoration is desired
• When it is desired to prevent a dark framework reflection at the gum edge
• The white-framework advantage in the aesthetic region
• The need for digital production and monolithic design

Situations in which metal-based porcelain can be evaluated:

• Multi-unit restorations in which long-term clinical history is important
• The need for high rigidity in certain framework designs
• The suitability of the available space and laboratory conditions

A 2024 systematic review states that, especially in porcelain-veneered zirconia bridges, higher failure and porcelain fracture rates have been reported compared to metal-ceramic bridges, and that long-term data on monolithic zirconia bridges are still limited. For this reason, it cannot be said that zirconia is automatically superior in all multi-unit restorations.

Can zirconium crowns be whitened?

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

If whitening is being considered, the natural teeth should, if possible, be whitened before the colour selection of the crowns is made. In this way, the colour of the zirconium restorations can be planned according to the new tooth shade.

If the natural teeth are whitened after the crowns are made, a colour difference can occur between the crowns and the natural teeth.

Do zirconium crowns change colour?

The zirconia material itself does not undergo biological discolouration like a natural tooth. However, plaque, tartar and external stains can accumulate on the surface.

Situations that can affect colour and surface appearance:

• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Heavy consumption of tea and coffee
• Deterioration of the surface polish
• Abrasive toothpastes
• Gum recession at the crown margin
• The effect of the underlying tooth or the adhesive material
• Neighbouring natural teeth changing colour over time

During professional cleaning, appropriate tools and materials that will not damage the zirconia surface must be used.

Is there sensitivity after a zirconium crown?

After the teeth are prepared, short-term hot–cold sensitivity can be seen. The fit of the temporary crown, the amount of reduction and the initial condition of the tooth can affect the level of sensitivity.

Pain that continues or worsens after the permanent crown can be associated with the following reasons:

• The occlusion being left high
• Involvement of the tooth nerve
• Decay or a crack under the crown
• Temporary sensitivity due to the adhesive material
• Gum inflammation
• A root-tip problem

Pain that wakes one at night, starts spontaneously or increases progressively should not be considered normal and must be evaluated by the physician.

Does clenching affect zirconium crowns?

Bruxism is not always an obstacle to having a zirconium crown; however, it can increase the forces on the crown, the natural tooth, the adhesive bond and the opposing teeth.

In patients with clenching, the following problems can be seen:

• Porcelain fracture
• The crown coming off
• Wear on the opposing teeth
• A crack in the natural tooth or root
• Screw loosening in zirconium crowns on implants
• Jaw muscle and jaw joint complaints

For this reason, before the crown, the wear in the teeth, the chewing muscles, the occlusal relationships and jaw movements must be evaluated. In patients who require it, occlusal adjustment and a protective night guard can be planned.

Using a highly durable material does not eliminate all the risks created by uncontrolled bruxism.

How long does it take to make zirconium crowns?

The treatment time varies according to the number of teeth to be treated and the need for additional treatment.

The factors affecting the duration are as follows:

• The need for gum treatment
• Whether root canal treatment or filling is done
• The removal of old crowns
• Gum-shaping procedures
• Evaluation of the temporary teeth
• The number of try-ins
• The type of zirconium to be used
• The laboratory production process
• The patient's need for aesthetic and functional adaptation

While a small number of crowns can be completed in a shorter time, in cases covering the entire smile line, a longer time may be needed for aesthetic, speech and occlusion try-ins.

It is not correct to define every zirconium treatment with a fixed period such as “4–6 days”. The process can be prolonged especially in patients who need gum treatment, root canal treatment or occlusal rehabilitation.

What is the lifespan of zirconium crowns?

A definite usage period valid for all patients cannot be given for zirconium crowns. The long-term condition of the restoration does not depend solely on the durability of the material.

The factors affecting the usage period are as follows:

• The amount of sound tissue remaining beneath the tooth
• The form of the tooth preparation
• The marginal fit of the crown
• The cementation protocol
• Gum health
• Oral hygiene
• Bruxism
• Occlusal forces
• Whether the restoration is a single crown or a bridge
• The type of zirconia
• Regular dental check-ups

In scientific studies, the five-year survival rates of zirconia-based single crowns have been reported to be high. However, “survival” does not mean that the crown is used without any maintenance or complication. Porcelain fracture, loss of cementation, the need for root canal treatment or gum problems can occur in the crown.

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

Does a tooth decay under a zirconium crown?

Yes. The zirconium material does not decay; but the natural tooth beneath it can decay.

Situations that can increase the risk of decay:

• Plaque accumulation at the crown margin
• Inadequate flossing and interdental cleaning
• Deterioration of the marginal fit of the crown
• Gum recession
• Frequent sugar consumption
• Dry mouth
• Not attending regular check-ups

A crown is not a closed box that completely protects the tooth against decay. The area where the crown margin meets the tooth must be cleaned regularly.

How is care done after a zirconium crown?

Zirconium crowns must be cleaned regularly, similar to natural teeth.

In daily care:

• The teeth should be brushed at least twice a day,
• The spaces between the teeth should be cleaned with floss or an interdental brush,
• The undersides of 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 and bad breath should not be neglected.

At check-up appointments, the marginal fit of the crowns, the gums, the occlusion, the underlying teeth and, where necessary, radiological findings are evaluated.

Why do zirconium crown prices in Istanbul vary?

The price of a zirconium crown is not determined solely by the number of teeth treated.

The main elements that can affect the cost are as follows:

• The number of crowns or bridges to be made
• The type of zirconia used
• Monolithic or porcelain-veneered design
• The anterior or posterior tooth region
• The removal of existing crowns
• The need for a filling or root canal treatment
• Gum treatments
• The scope of the temporary restorations
• Digital smile planning
• Laboratory and personalisation procedures
• Application on an implant or on a natural tooth
• The scope of occlusal rehabilitation

Patients researching a zirconium crown in Istanbul should evaluate not only the price per tooth but also the type of zirconia to be applied, the scope of the temporary teeth, the framework and laboratory process, the additional treatments and the check-up plan.

Why must the face and occlusion be evaluated together in zirconium crown planning in Istanbul?

Zirconium restorations, especially in the anterior region, affect not only the image of individual teeth but the whole smile.

The teeth's:

• Relationship with the lips,
• Harmony with the facial midline,
• Amount of visibility during smiling,
• Contact with the lower and upper teeth,
• Effect on speech sounds,
• Guidance in jaw movements

must be evaluated together.

Teeth that are very long, very wide or prepared in the same shape as one another can create an image that is incompatible with the face and artificial, even if they look technically white and even.

In zirconium crown planning at Dentapolitan, along with the aesthetic expectation, the preservation of the existing natural tooth tissue, periodontal health, orthodontic requirements, jaw occlusion and long-term cleansability are taken into account. Dentapolitan provides services in Istanbul with its Bostancı, Ümraniye and Pendik clinics.

Personalised crown planning that preserves the natural tooth

A zirconium crown should not be applied merely to whiten the teeth or to bring all the teeth to the same shape. The main aim of the treatment is to preserve the damaged tooth, restore chewing function and improve the aesthetic appearance in harmony with the patient's facial features.

The same material, the same whiteness and the same tooth shape are not used in every patient. While a zirconium crown is the most suitable option in some patients, in another patient a porcelain laminate, E-max, composite restoration, orthodontic treatment or teeth whitening alone may be more conservative.

The treatment decision must be made by evaluating together the clinical and radiological examination, gum health, the existing sound tooth tissue, jaw occlusion, bruxism, the smile line and the patient's expectations.

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