Dental crowns are among the most common procedures we perform at Morsia Dental for international patients. Whether you need to restore a damaged tooth, protect one after root canal treatment, or fix the look of a discoloured or misshapen tooth — a crown is one of the most durable and aesthetically reliable options available.
Turkey has become a leading destination for crown treatment, and it’s not just about price. The dental laboratories here produce work that rivals the finest in Europe. At Morsia Dental, every crown we fit is milled in our in-house laboratory using premium-grade materials.
Zirconia vs E-Max: What’s the Difference?
This is the question we hear most from international patients. Both are excellent materials, but they serve different purposes.
Zirconia is the stronger of the two. It handles biting force exceptionally well, which makes it the first choice for back teeth (molars and premolars). It’s also opaque enough to mask dark underlying tooth structure — useful when covering a discoloured or metal-post tooth. Modern monolithic zirconia has improved aesthetically, but it still doesn’t match the translucency of natural enamel the way E-Max does.
E-Max (lithium disilicate) is a glass-ceramic that mimics natural tooth enamel almost perfectly. Light passes through it the way it passes through a real tooth, creating a result that’s difficult to distinguish from your own teeth. That makes E-Max ideal for front teeth and veneers. The trade-off: it’s slightly less resistant to heavy biting forces than zirconia.
At Morsia, we often use both in the same case — zirconia for molars, E-Max for the smile zone. That combination gives you strength where you need it and aesthetics where it matters most.
What Does the Crown Fitting Process Look Like?
Here’s what to expect during your visit:
- Examination and digital scan: We assess the tooth and take a 3D digital impression — no uncomfortable putty moulds
- Tooth preparation: The tooth is gently shaped to accommodate the crown
- Temporary crown: A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent one is being made
- Laboratory production: Our in-house lab produces the crown — typically in 2–3 days for international patients
- Crown fitting: The permanent crown is cemented and adjusted for fit and bite
For most international patients, the full process takes 4–5 days, fitting neatly within a typical Antalya dental visit.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Zirconia crowns routinely last 15–20 years with proper care. E-Max crowns last 10–15 years or more. The single biggest factor affecting longevity is how well you maintain the gumline around the crown — daily brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups at home.
We’ve seen patients return after 12 years with crowns still in perfect condition. And we’ve seen patients neglect their oral hygiene and need replacements after 5. The crown material matters, but your habits matter more.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost in Turkey vs Europe?
| Treatment | Morsia Dental, Antalya | Germany | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zirconia crown | €200–€350 | €800–€1,200 | £700–£1,100 |
| E-Max porcelain crown | €250–€400 | €900–€1,500 | £800–£1,300 |
| 10 crowns (zirconia) | €2,000–€3,500 | €8,000–€12,000 | £7,000–£11,000 |
| 20 crowns (full mouth) | €4,000–€7,000 | €16,000–€24,000 | £14,000–£22,000 |
Even with flights and a week’s accommodation in Antalya, most patients save 60–70% compared to UK or German prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a crown hurt?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic — you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some sensitivity in the days following preparation is normal and settles quickly. Most patients say it was far less uncomfortable than they’d anticipated.
Can I eat normally with a dental crown?
Yes. Once the permanent crown is cemented, you eat normally. Zirconia crowns are particularly tough — patients with zirconia crowns report zero dietary restrictions.
What if I already have old metal-ceramic crowns?
Old metal-fused-to-porcelain crowns can be swapped for modern zirconia or E-Max. This removes the risk of the dark gumline that often appears with metal-ceramic crowns as gums recede over the years.
How do I choose between zirconia and E-Max?
Your Morsia dentist will recommend the right material based on tooth location (front vs back), your bite, whether you grind your teeth, and the aesthetic result you’re after. Often a combination of both materials gives the best overall outcome.
Can crowns fix crooked or gapped teeth?
In some cases, yes. Crowns can change the shape, size, and alignment of teeth. For minor spacing or rotation issues, crowns offer a faster result than orthodontics. For significant alignment problems, we might recommend veneers or a combined approach.
Ready for your new smile? Contact Morsia Dental for a free consultation. Send us your X-rays and photos — we’ll produce a full treatment plan including material recommendations within 24 hours.
References
The clinical information in this article was cross-checked against the peer-reviewed publications listed below.
- Sadowsky SJ et al. Has zirconia made a material difference in implant prosthodontics? A review. Dent Mater, 2020. PMID: 31500904
- Poggio CE et al. Metal-free materials for fixed prosthodontic restorations. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017. PMID: 29261853
This content is for general information only and does not replace an in-person examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a dentist about your own situation.
