Restorative dentistry

Zirconium Crowns

Zirconium crowns, more correctly called zirconia crowns, are tooth-coloured caps made from zirconia, the strongest of the dental ceramics. They cover and protect a broken, heavily filled or root-treated tooth, most often at the back of the mouth. They are either monolithic (one solid piece) or layered with porcelain for a more lifelike look.

Published by Vita Smile Dental Clinic Sources (6)

A single tooth-coloured crown in front of a tooth model

Key takeaways

  • Zirconia is the strongest of the dental ceramics, which is why it is often chosen for back teeth [4].
  • In a 2026 review of 64 studies, 96.8% of monolithic and 97.3% of layered zirconia crowns were still in place after five years [3].
  • Monolithic crowns had significantly fewer chips and fractures than crowns with a porcelain layer [3].
  • Zirconia is more opaque than glass-ceramics such as e-max; more translucent grades look more natural but are less strong [4].
  • Fitting usually takes two visits: the tooth is shaped, a temporary crown protects it, then the finished crown is cemented [2].

At a glance

Material
Zirconia (zirconium oxide)
Types
Monolithic or layered
Metal content
None
Fitted on
Natural teeth or implants
Monolithic at 5 years
96.8% still in place
Warranty at Vita Smile
10 years, in writing
Visits
At least 2; laboratory 1–2 weeks
Zirconia at Vita Smile
VITA

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Vildan Aktamış

Prosthodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry · Restorative Dental Care

Last reviewed
Sources 6 sources cited

The basics

What is a zirconia crown?

A crown is a cap made to measure for one tooth; it covers the tooth and restores its shape, strength and appearance [2]. Our dental crowns page explains when a tooth needs one; this page is about one material, zirconia.

Zirconia (zirconium oxide) is a ceramic, not a metal, and the strongest of the ceramics used in dentistry [4]. A zirconia crown contains no metal, yet it can take the force of chewing on back teeth.

There are two main types:

  • Monolithic zirconia: the whole crown is one piece of zirconia, with no porcelain on top. In clinical studies it had significantly fewer chips and fractures than layered crowns [3].
  • Layered zirconia: a zirconia core covered with layers of porcelain. It looks more translucent and natural, but a two-layer crown is vulnerable to chipping [4].

Newer, more translucent zirconias look closer to natural enamel but are less strong and less tough than classic zirconia [4], so the grade is chosen tooth by tooth.

At Vita Smile, crowns are designed digitally and made by our partner dental laboratory, then fitted and shade-matched in the clinic.

  • 96.8%

    of monolithic zirconia crowns still in place after five years [3]

  • 97.3%

    of layered zirconia crowns still in place after five years [3]

  • 64

    clinical studies pooled in the 2026 review behind these figures [3]

Is it right for you?

Who are zirconia crowns for?

A crown suits a tooth that needs full coverage: one that is broken, weakened by a large filling, root-treated, cracked or worn [1][2]. Zirconia is a common choice for back teeth, where strength matters most; on a front tooth, layered zirconia or e-max may blend in better [4].

A zirconia crown is a good fit if

  • A back tooth is broken, cracked or heavily filled
  • A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs protecting
  • You need a crown on a dental implant or for a bridge [1]
  • You want a crown with no metal in it
  • Your gums are healthy, or gum disease has been treated

Ask us about alternatives if

  • Only the colour or shape of healthy front teeth bothers you: veneers usually remove less tooth
  • Most of your teeth need crowns: see full mouth zirconia crowns
  • You grind or clench: people who grind were rarely studied [6], so plan a night guard with your dentist
  • You have active decay or gum disease: it is treated before any crown is made

Step by step

How a zirconia crown is made and fitted

In most cases a crown takes two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take a scan or impression, and one to fit the finished crown [2]. Some ceramic crowns can be designed and fitted on the same day [2].

  1. Before you travel

    Online consultation

    Send photos or a recent X-ray. A dentist reviews them and replies with a personalised plan and a written quote.

  2. First visit

    Examination and plan

    Your dentist checks the tooth, gums and bite, and explains whether monolithic or layered zirconia suits it.

  3. First visit

    Preparation and scan

    The tooth is shaped to make space for the crown and recorded with a digital scan or impression [2]. The shade is chosen with you.

  4. Between visits

    Temporary crown and laboratory work

    A temporary crown protects the tooth [2] while the laboratory makes the zirconia crown from the digital design.

  5. Second visit

    Fitting

    The temporary is removed, and the new crown is checked for fit, colour and bite, then cemented permanently [2].

  6. At home

    Aftercare

    Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, avoid biting hard objects and keep your check-ups [2].

The number of visits and the time between them depend on your treatment plan; your dentist confirms them after examining you.

Not sure which crown your tooth needs?

Send a few photos or a recent X-ray. A dentist reviews them and replies with a personalised plan and a written quote, free of charge.

Book a free online consultation Ask on WhatsApp

Compare your options

Zirconia vs e-max vs porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns

All three last well. In a 2026 review, five-year survival was 96.8% for monolithic zirconia, 98.5% for monolithic lithium disilicate (the glass-ceramic family e-max belongs to) and 97.1% for metal-ceramic crowns [3]. The differences are strength, appearance and wear. Our e-max veneers page covers the glass-ceramic in more detail.

Zirconia Lithium disilicate (e-max) Porcelain-fused-to-metal
Material Zirconium oxide ceramic Glass-ceramic Metal base covered with porcelain
Metal-free Yes Yes No
Strength Highest of the dental ceramics Lower than zirconia Strong metal base
Appearance More opaque; layered or translucent grades look more natural More translucent and lifelike Tooth-coloured porcelain over metal
Survival at 5 years 96.8% monolithic, 97.3% layered 98.5% monolithic, 95.7% layered 97.1%
Chipping Fewer chips in monolithic crowns Fewer chips in monolithic crowns The porcelain layer can chip
Wear on opposing teeth Can wear opposing enamel; polishing helps Can wear opposing enamel No significant extra wear in one review

Survival and chipping: a 2026 systematic review of 64 clinical studies [3]. Strength and appearance: [4]; porcelain-fused-to-metal: Oral Health Foundation [2]. Wear: a 2026 review of nine clinical studies with 6 to 24 months of follow-up [5].

Before you decide

Disadvantages and risks of zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns perform well in clinical studies [3][6], but every crown has trade-offs. The trade-offs, point by point:

  • Wear of opposing teethZirconia is very hard. Monolithic zirconia crowns wore the opposing enamel more than natural tooth contact; polished surfaces are less abrasive than glazed ones [5].
  • Chipping of layered porcelainChipping was the most common technical problem in reviews of zirconia restorations [6]; monolithic crowns chip significantly less [3].
  • Fracture or looseningFracture of the zirconia and loss of retention, where the crown comes loose, came next [6].
  • SensitivitySome teeth are sensitive after preparation, and a crowned tooth can later need root canal treatment [6].
  • Decay at the edgeThe tooth under a crown can still decay, so cleaning between the teeth stays essential [2][6].
  • Not reversibleThe tooth is shaped for the crown [2], so it will always need a covering.

People who grind their teeth were rarely studied, and the long-term effect of very hard zirconia on the chewing system is still unclear [6]. Tell your dentist if you grind or clench, so a night guard can be planned with the crown.

Dr. Vildan Aktamış

From our dentist

“On back teeth my usual choice is monolithic zirconia: there is no porcelain layer that can chip under heavy chewing. On a front tooth the neighbouring teeth set the standard, so we compare layered zirconia and e-max side by side before anything is made. Every patient gets the same question about grinding, because even the strongest crown needs a balanced bite, and sometimes a night guard.”

Dr. Vildan Aktamış · Prosthodontics & Aesthetic Dentistry · Restorative Dental Care

Treatment abroad

Choosing a clinic in Turkey for zirconia crowns

Zirconia crowns differ more than the name suggests: monolithic or layered, and which laboratory makes them. Before you book, ask:

  • Does each tooth really need a crown, or would a filling, onlay or veneer do?
  • Will each crown be monolithic or layered, and why?
  • Which laboratory makes the crowns, and is the material named in my written quote?
  • What aftercare is included, and what happens if a crown chips or comes loose at home?

At Vita Smile, the materials planned for your case are named in your written quote, and our zirconia crowns use VITA zirconia with a written 10-year warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects, provided you attend your check-ups. Crowns are planned by Dr. Vildan Aktamış, a general dentist who focuses on prosthodontics and who reviewed this page.

Questions

Zirconia crowns: frequently asked questions

Can't find your answer? Our coordinators are happy to help on WhatsApp.

Ask on WhatsApp
How much does a zirconia crown cost in Turkey?

It depends on how many teeth need crowns, whether they are monolithic or layered, and any treatment needed first, such as a root canal. After a free online assessment you receive a personalised plan with a written quote, so you know the expected cost before you travel. The quote is confirmed after your examination at the clinic. See crown prices and packages.

What are the disadvantages of zirconia crowns?

Zirconia is more opaque than glass-ceramics such as e-max, so it can look less lifelike on front teeth [4]. Porcelain on layered crowns can chip [3][4], and very hard zirconia can wear the opposing teeth [5]. Like any crown, it needs the tooth to be shaped [2].

How long do zirconia crowns last?

Research mostly reports five-year results: a 2026 review estimated that 96.8% of monolithic and 97.3% of layered zirconia crowns were still in place after five years [3]. Longer-term data on monolithic zirconia are still limited [6]. Your bite, grinding and daily care affect how long yours last [2][6].

Is it safe to get zirconia crowns in Turkey?

It can be, if you choose a licensed clinic, are examined before any tooth is shaped and understand your plan. The checklist above lists the questions to ask, including which zirconia and laboratory will be used.

Is e-max or zirconia better?

Neither is better for every tooth. Zirconia is stronger, which suits back teeth; lithium disilicate (e-max) is more translucent, which suits front teeth where appearance matters most [4]. Both reached five-year survival comparable to metal-ceramic crowns in a 2026 review [3].

Can zirconia crowns be used on front teeth?

Yes. In a 2026 review, zirconia crowns performed similarly on front and back teeth [3]. On front teeth, layered zirconia or a more translucent grade can give a more natural look, although these are less strong than classic zirconia [4].

What our patients say

Read what our patients say about us on Google and Trustpilot.

Patient reviews from Google and Trustpilot

Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita Smile Dental Clinic for implants and a smile makeover, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Dr. Vildan and her team were warm, knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented. The clinic itself is spotless and modern, and they made sure I was comfortable every step of the way. They even helped with transportation and accommodation, which made the whole experience stress-free. My new smile looks amazing — I feel more confident than ever. If you're thinking about dental treatment in Turkey, Vita Smile is a fantastic choice. Thank you for everything!

Fuat D. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

First of all, the dentist is very reliable and professional. The clinic has a very friendly atmosphere, and both the service and approach to patients are of the highest standard – everything is handled professionally. The dentist is extremely professional and gentle in her work. She always asks if anything hurts and makes sure the patient feels comfortable during every visit. Special recognition also goes to the consultant Rafia, who always responds quickly to any questions or concerns. She is very helpful, kind, and always tries to find a solution and speak with patients with care and understanding. The clinic is very clean, and every patient is treated individually and with full attention. I wholeheartedly recommend this dental clinic.

Elwira K.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

We were in a medical trip to Turkey, headed to Vita Smile. Everything went smooth -from airport to clinic and back home-. The procedure was seamless, as for me I regained trusts in myself now that I can smile again. Also lots of thanks to ms.Oana for everything.

Stephen Romania · April 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

The team and doctors are very professional, I am very pleased to have had my teeth whitened and cleaned, I recommend it to everyone. Thank you

Rumeysa Y.
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

I visited Vita smile for my tooth pain. Dr Vildan and all team was so helpfull. They gave me teeth cleaning for free as a present. I suggest it to all my friends. Thanks for all.

Mehmet F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Diş için geldim. Diş ile ilgili bütün sorunlarimi hallettiler ve çok güzel oldu çok ilgililer.

Oğuzhan F. August 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

yeni zirkonyum yaptırdım çok memnun kaldım, hekimin eli çok hafifti gerçekten. gülümsemek 🤩

June 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Temiz ve rahat bir ortamda operasyon um yapildi.Doktorlara ilgilerinden dolayı teşekkür ederim. Yapılan işlemler beni çok mutlu ve özgüvenli hissettirdi. Tüm ekibe TESEKKUR ederim.

Ulas K. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Trustpilot — Trustpilot review

Almanya'daki bir tanıdığımız vaasitasi ile alakalı geldim 1 hafta içerisinde full ağız implant ve lamine tedavilerini yaptirdim doktor ekip tamamı ile kusursuz kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum

Volkan S. March 2025
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

Daha önce olan diş kaplamalarım inanınlmaz rahatsız ediyordu zirkonyum kaplama için arkadaşımın tavsiyesiyle gittim 3-4 gün gibi bir sürede eski kaplamalar sökülüp yeni ölçüler alındı provalar yapıldı ve yeni kaplamalar yapıldı çok doğal ve çok kullanımı rahat hiçbir sıkıntı yaşamadım tüm ekibe teşekür ederim.

Mine A.
Rated 5 out of 5 Google — Google review

"Gülüşümü tamamen değiştirdiler! Zirkonyum kaplamalarım o kadar doğal duruyor ki, kimse kaplama olduğunu anlamıyor. Renk uyumu ve diş etleriyle olan uyumu tek kelimeyle mükemmel. Estetik kaygısı olan herkese gözü kapalı öneririm."

Ali A.
All patient reviews

Free consultation

Free initial consultation

Leave your details and a treatment coordinator will contact you to arrange your free online consultation.

  1. We get in touchWe reply to you on WhatsApp.
  2. You share photos or an X-rayA dentist reviews them before your consultation.
  3. You receive your plan & quoteItemised and free, with no obligation to book.

Your request opens in WhatsApp — our coordinator replies there.

  • Secure & confidential
  • KVKK & GDPR
  • Free, no obligation

Sources

Studies and patient guides this page is based on.

  1. [1] Crowns — MouthHealthy, American Dental Association · mouthhealthy.org
  2. [2] What are dental crowns? — Oral Health Foundation · dentalhealth.org
  3. [3] Pjetursson BE, Pitta J, Balet A, Bjarnadottir GR, Sailer I, Romandini P. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Evaluating the Survival, Failure, and Complication Rates of Metal-Ceramic, Veneered, and Monolithic All-Ceramic Tooth-Supported Single Crowns — Part 1. International Journal of Prosthodontics, 2026 · doi.org
  4. [4] Zhang Y, Lawn BR. Novel Zirconia Materials in Dentistry. Journal of Dental Research, 2018 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. [5] Rosa CDDRD, Bento VAA, Duarte ND, et al. Comparative Wear of Opposing Natural Enamel by Different Ceramic Materials in Fixed Dental Protheses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dentistry Journal, 2026 · pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. [6] Laumbacher H, Strasser T, Knüttel H, Rosentritt M. Long-term clinical performance and complications of zirconia-based tooth- and implant-supported fixed prosthodontic restorations: A summary of systematic reviews. Journal of Dentistry, 2021 · doi.org