For patients in South Africa

Zirconia crowns in Turkey from South Africa: what to check before you book

A zirconia crown (often called a zirconium crown) is a metal-free ceramic cap that covers the whole of a damaged, worn or discoloured tooth. Because a crown means reshaping the tooth underneath, it is a permanent decision. This page explains who zirconia crowns suit, how a trip from South Africa to İzmir runs, and how to look after the crowns at home.

What a zirconia crown is, and when it is the right choice

A crown fits over a reshaped tooth and covers it completely. Zirconia is strong, metal-free and well tolerated by the gums, and it reflects light in a way that closely resembles natural enamel, so it can be used on front teeth as well as back teeth.

Zirconia crowns can suit teeth that are:

• chipped, cracked or worn down
• heavily filled, where little sound tooth is left
• discoloured in a way that whitening cannot fix
• part of a planned smile makeover

If a tooth is healthy and you only want a different colour or shape, whitening or a veneer may serve you better.

Questions to ask before any tooth is prepared

Ask for the answers in writing:

• Which teeth will be crowned, and why each one needs a crown rather than a veneer or filling?
• How much of each tooth will be reshaped?
• Is zirconia the best material for each position, or would another ceramic, such as Emax, suit your front teeth better?
• Will you see a digital plan of the result before treatment starts?
• Who is the treating dentist, by name?

Our dental team is listed on clinic facts. The treatment itself is described on the UK zirconium crowns page, and the dental crowns guide for South Africans and the Emax crowns guide compare the options.

How the trip from South Africa works

Most patients finish zirconia crown treatment within five to seven days. Each crown is planned digitally for fit and bite, the teeth are prepared under local anaesthetic, and the crowns are then fitted and adjusted.

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South African passport holders need an e-Visa before travelling, and İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, so jet lag is not a concern. Keep the fitting away from your last day, and book a flight you can change if an adjustment is needed.

Looking after zirconia crowns in South Africa

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, zirconia crowns are expected to last many years; the clinic gives a typical range of 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid biting very hard objects. You will need a dentist at home for routine care, so:

• take home a written record of the treatment, the materials used and your X-rays or scans
• tell your dentist in South Africa before you travel, and book a check-up for after you return
• ask whether you should wear a night guard if you grind your teeth

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

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective dental treatment abroad, so check with yours. Standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment overseas.

What decides the cost

The number of crowns, whether any teeth need a root canal, a filling or gum 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, reshape more tooth than the crown requires, or start before you have agreed the plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for zirconia crowns?

Most patients are ready to fly home within five to seven days, depending on how many teeth are treated. Leave room in your dates for a bite adjustment after fitting.

Will my teeth need to be filed down for zirconia crowns?

Yes. Some enamel is reshaped so the crown fits securely and looks natural. Only the amount needed should be removed, and this cannot be undone, so ask how much will be prepared for each tooth.

Is getting zirconia crowns painful?

The work is done under local anaesthetic, so it is comfortable for most people. Mild sensitivity afterwards is normal and usually settles within a few days.

How long do zirconia crowns last?

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

Can my dentist in South Africa look after zirconia crowns made in Turkey?

Yes, for routine care. Bring home a written record of the treatment and materials, plus your X-rays or scans, so your dentist knows exactly what was done.

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