For patients in South Africa

Porcelain fused to metal crowns in Turkey from South Africa: strength first

A porcelain fused to metal crown, also called a metal-supported porcelain crown, has a strong metal framework covered by a layer of tooth-coloured porcelain. It is the traditional crown for teeth that take heavy chewing forces, especially at the back of the mouth. This page explains who these crowns suit, how they compare with all-ceramic crowns, how a trip from South Africa to İzmir works, and how to look after them at home.

What a metal-supported porcelain crown is

Each crown is made to fit over a tooth that has been reshaped. The metal core gives strength, and the porcelain on top is colour-matched to your other teeth. Unlike a filling or bonding, which repairs only part of a tooth, a crown covers the whole tooth and protects what is left of it.

These crowns can suit teeth that are:

• cracked, worn or heavily filled
• root canal treated and in need of protection
• at the back of the mouth, where chewing forces are greatest

They are less often the first choice for front teeth, because the porcelain layer does not let light through in the same way as an all-ceramic crown. If appearance is your main concern, ask about the other crown options for South African patients.

Questions to ask before you agree

Ask for the answers in writing:

• Which teeth will be crowned, and why does each one need a crown?
• Why a metal-supported crown here rather than zirconia or Emax?
• How much of each tooth will be reshaped?
• Will you see a plan of the result before preparation starts?
• Who is the treating dentist, by name?

Our dentists are listed on clinic facts, and the treatment is described on the UK metal-supported porcelain crowns page.

How the trip from South Africa works

Most patients complete treatment and return home within five to seven days. The crowns are planned with digital technology, the teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic, and after fitting each crown is adjusted so your bite feels comfortable. You will usually wear temporary crowns while the final ones are being made.

There are direct flights of around ten hours from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul, and from there a short domestic flight to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa before travelling, and İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Do not plan your fitting for the day you fly; leave time for an adjustment, and choose a flight you can change.

Looking after the crowns at home

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, metal-supported porcelain crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush twice a day, floss daily, keep the gums around the crowns healthy, and avoid biting very hard objects.

• Take home a written record of the treatment, the materials used and your X-rays
• Book a check-up with your dentist in South Africa for after you return
• Tell your dentist which teeth have metal-supported crowns, so future X-rays and treatment are planned with that in mind

Crowns and restorations are covered by our treatment guarantee for one year from the date they are fitted. If a claim is accepted, the work is done in İzmir at no charge, though flights and accommodation are your own responsibility. How problems are handled is set out on our complaints page.

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned dental treatment abroad, so ask yours before you book. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment overseas.

What decides the cost

The number of crowns, whether any teeth need a root canal or other treatment first, and what the package includes, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm figure is only possible after a dental assessment.

What we will not do

We will not crown teeth that do not need it, we will not remove more tooth than the crown requires, and we will not begin before you have seen and agreed the plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is a porcelain fused to metal crown?

It is a crown with a strong metal core covered by a tooth-coloured porcelain layer. It restores the strength, function and appearance of a damaged or weakened tooth.

Who are metal-supported porcelain crowns suitable for?

People with cracked, worn, heavily filled or root canal treated teeth, particularly at the back of the mouth, where extra strength is needed for chewing.

Do porcelain fused to metal crowns look natural?

Yes. The porcelain is colour-matched to your teeth. They do not have quite the same translucency as zirconia or Emax crowns, which is why they are used more often on back teeth.

How long will I need to stay in Turkey?

Most patients complete treatment and are ready to fly home within five to seven days, depending on how many crowns are placed.

How long do metal-supported porcelain crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they typically last 10 to 15 years or longer.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.