ESE & AAE Member · Straumann · Neodent · Nobel Biocare · Since 1985
Zirconia has replaced porcelain-fused-to-metal as the gold standard for posterior crowns: fracture-resistant, biocompatible, and with no metal margin showing at the gumline. Below: the clinical categories and the decisions that appear on your written plan.
First generation — 3Y-TZP (full-strength zirconia): maximum fracture resistance (> 1,200 MPa), but a slightly opaque, whitish appearance. Used today for posterior bridges and molars. Not recommended for the front teeth — it looks too opaque.
Second generation — 4Y/5Y-TZP (translucent zirconia): more translucent thanks to a higher yttria content. Aesthetically usable on premolars and canines. Fracture resistance 800–1,000 MPa — still superior to lithium disilicate.
Third generation — multilayer zirconia: a graduated colour and translucency gradient inside the crown. Translucent at the incisal edge, opaque at the cervical margin. Natural-looking front-tooth aesthetics with acceptable strength (700–900 MPa).
Posterior molars (6s, 7s): monolithic 3Y-TZP (e.g. Prettau, Katana HT)
Premolars: monolithic 4Y/5Y or multilayer, depending on aesthetic demand
Anterior crowns (not veneers): multilayer zirconia with thin incisal-edge layering, or fully monolithic multilayer
10-year survival rate, monolithic zirconia: 95–98% (compare: porcelain-fused-to-metal 90–94%, single e.max 92–95%). Chipping risk on layered zirconia crowns 5–8% over 10 years — usually repairable without replacing the crown. Our crown warranty: 5 years against material defect, in line with our published policy.
Polishing instead of re-glazing: on monolithic zirconia, the surface can be polished to a high gloss directly in the mouth after any chairside adjustment, with no need to re-fire. Fewer try-in appointments, less wear on opposing teeth than glazed zirconia. London vs Istanbul crown cost: a single monolithic zirconia crown typically costs £750–£1,200 in central London; our equivalent in Istanbul is set out below.
Standard monolithic: £319 per crown · Premium (4Y multilayer): £482 per crown · VIP (multilayer with individual characterisation): £649 per crown. London private: £750–£1,400 per crown for an equivalent specification. Translates to a typical 60–70% saving for a 6–8 crown plan, before travel.
Service standard: WhatsApp reply within 30 minutes during business hours · Written plan within 4 hours of your records.
