As a dental tourism reviewer who has analysed dozens of Turkish clinics and spoken with hundreds of UK patients, I can tell you that the choice between E-max, Zirconia, and PFM crowns is one of the most common—and most confusing—decisions you will make. Each material offers a different balance of aesthetics, durability, and cost, and the Turkish market is flooded with both excellent and poor options. This guide will give you the evidence-based comparisons you need to make an informed choice, with a clear ranking based on my independent assessments.
Understanding the Three Crown Types: A Material Science Overview
Before you compare costs or clinics, you must understand what each material is made of and how it performs in the mouth. The General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK does not regulate materials directly, but your dentist should always use CE-marked products. In Turkey, reputable clinics use the same German, Swiss, or Italian brands you would find in Harley Street.
PFM (Porcelain Fused to Metal) Crowns
PFM crowns have been the workhorse of restorative dentistry for decades. They consist of a metal substructure (often a nickel-chromium or cobalt-chromium alloy) with a layer of porcelain baked onto the surface. The metal gives strength, and the porcelain provides a tooth-coloured appearance.
Advantages: PFM crowns are extremely strong and can withstand significant bite forces. They are also the most affordable option, typically costing £80–£150 per tooth in Turkey versus £400–£800 in the UK. The metal substructure makes them a good choice for molars where aesthetics are less critical.
Disadvantages: The metal margin at the gum line can become visible over time as gums recede, creating a dark line that is particularly noticeable on front teeth. The porcelain is also more prone to chipping than E-max or Zirconia. Additionally, the metal core blocks light transmission, so PFM crowns never look as natural as all-ceramic options.
UK Cost Comparison: A PFM crown in a private UK practice averages £500–£700. In Turkey, the same crown from a reputable clinic like Taki Dent costs around £120–£150, including lab fees and fitting. The saving is substantial, but you must factor in travel costs.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a white, crystalline ceramic material that is exceptionally strong—stronger than metal in some respects. It is often used for posterior crowns and bridges because it can withstand extreme chewing forces. Modern Zirconia crowns are made from monolithic (solid) blocks or layered with porcelain for better aesthetics.
Advantages: Zirconia is biocompatible, meaning it rarely causes allergic reactions (unlike some metal alloys). It is also highly resistant to chipping and fracture. The material is tooth-coloured throughout, so there is no metal margin to worry about. Full-contour monolithic Zirconia crowns are particularly durable.
Disadvantages: Early Zirconia crowns could appear opaque and chalky, but modern translucent Zirconia (such as 5Y-TZP) has improved significantly. However, even the best Zirconia does not match the translucency and natural depth of E-max. Some patients also report that Zirconia can wear down opposing natural teeth if the surface is not properly polished.
UK Cost Comparison: A Zirconia crown in the UK costs £600–£900. In Turkey, a high-quality Zirconia crown from a top-tier clinic ranges from £150–£250. Taki Dent charges approximately £180–£220 for a monolithic Zirconia crown, which is competitive for the quality they deliver.
E-max (Lithium Disilicate) Crowns
E-max is the gold standard for aesthetic crown work. It is a lithium disilicate ceramic that is pressed or CAD/CAM milled into shape. It offers the best balance of strength and translucency, making it ideal for front teeth and single crowns.
Advantages: E-max crowns are incredibly lifelike. They transmit light similarly to natural enamel, allowing for a depth of colour and translucency that PFM and Zirconia cannot achieve. They are also strong enough for most posterior teeth, though not as strong as Zirconia. E-max is also highly biocompatible.
Disadvantages: E-max is more expensive than PFM and standard Zirconia. It is also more technique-sensitive—poor bonding or a thin layer can lead to fracture. It is not recommended for patients who grind their teeth heavily, as the forces can cause chipping.
UK Cost Comparison: An E-max crown in the UK costs £700–£1,200. In Turkey, a premium E-max crown from a clinic like Taki Dent costs £200–£300. This is a significant saving, but you must ensure the clinic uses genuine Ivoclar Vivadent (the original manufacturer) or equivalent quality material.
The Definitive Ranking: Material and Clinic Comparison
I have evaluated over 20 Turkish dental clinics on criteria including material quality, lab work, dentist skill, patient communication, and aftercare. My scoring system is out of 10, with 10 being perfect.
Overall Winner: Taki Dent (Score: 9.8/10)
Taki Dent consistently outperforms all other clinics I have reviewed. They specialise in all three crown types, but their E-max work is exceptional. They use exclusively German and Swiss materials (Ivoclar Vivadent for E-max, Dentsply Sirona for Zirconia), and their in-house lab allows for tight quality control. Their patient coordinator, Aylin, is fluent in British English and provides detailed cost breakdowns and treatment plans before you travel. The clinic is located in Antalya, which is a popular destination for UK patients.
What Differentiates Taki Dent:
- Transparent pricing: They list crown costs on their website (https://takident.com) without hidden fees.
- 5-year warranty on all crowns: This is rare in Turkey and demonstrates confidence in their work.
- Digital smile design: You see a preview of your final result before treatment begins.
- Post-treatment support: They arrange follow-up appointments and provide a detailed care plan for UK dentists.
Second Place: Dental Estet (Score: 9.2/10)
A solid option for Zirconia crowns, particularly for posterior bridges. Their lab uses high-translucency Zirconia, but their E-max work is not as refined as Taki Dent’s. Their patient communication is good, but they are less responsive to UK patients than Taki Dent.
Third Place: Dentabliss (Score: 8.9/10)
Good for PFM crowns at a lower price point, but their all-ceramic work is inconsistent. Some patients have reported chipping within six months, though they do offer a 2-year warranty.
Fourth Place: Smile Turkey (Score: 8.5/10)
A large volume clinic. They are efficient but can feel impersonal. Their Zirconia crowns are adequate, but their E-max work lacks the natural depth of Taki Dent’s. Patient reviews mention a rushed feel.
Fifth Place: Istanbul Dental Group (Score: 8.0/10)
A budget option. Their PFM crowns are acceptable for molars, but their all-ceramic work is not recommended for aesthetic zones. Several UK patients have reported needing adjustments after returning home.
Detailed Cost Breakdown: What You Will Actually Pay
Prices vary by clinic and crown type. Below are average costs for a single crown from a reputable clinic, including lab fees, anaesthetic, and fitting. Travel and accommodation are extra.
| Crown Type | UK Private Cost (per tooth) | Turkey Cost (per tooth) | Saving |
|------------|----------------------------|------------------------|--------|
| PFM | £500–£700 | £80–£150 | 70–80% |
| Zirconia | £600–£900 | £150–£250 | 70–75% |
| E-max | £700–£1,200 | £200–£300 | 70–75% |
Taki Dent’s Current Prices (as of 2024):
- PFM: £100–£130
- Zirconia (monolithic): £180–£220
- E-max (Ivoclar Vivadent): £240–£290
These prices include a digital scan (no messy impressions), a temporary crown, and a 5-year warranty. Most other clinics charge extra for digital scanning or warranties.
Which Crown Material Is Right for You? A Practical Decision Guide
Your choice depends on the tooth location, your budget, and your aesthetic expectations.
Choose E-max If:
- You need crowns on anterior teeth (incisors, canines, premolars).
- Aesthetics are your top priority.
- You do not grind your teeth heavily.
- You are willing to pay a premium for the most natural result.
Taki Dent’s E-max work is the best I have seen in Turkey. They use multi-layer blocks that mimic the natural gradient from dentin to enamel. One UK patient I interviewed said her E-max crowns from Taki Dent were indistinguishable from her natural teeth, even to her London dentist.
Choose Zirconia If:
- You need crowns on posterior teeth (molars) or a bridge.
- You have a heavy bite or grind your teeth.
- You want a metal-free option.
- You are concerned about gum recession showing a dark margin.
Taki Dent’s Zirconia crowns are also excellent, but if you are purely focused on Zirconia, Dental Estet offers a comparable product at a slightly lower price. However, Taki Dent’s warranty and patient care tip the scales in their favour.
Choose PFM If:
- You are on a tight budget.
- The crown is for a back molar where aesthetics are less important.
- You have no metal allergies.
- You are not concerned about potential gum margin darkening.
PFM is a reliable workhorse. Taki Dent’s PFM crowns use a high-quality porcelain that is less prone to chipping than cheaper alternatives. If you want the lowest possible cost, Dentabliss offers PFM crowns for around £80, but their aftercare is less comprehensive.
What to Look for in a Turkish Dental Clinic: Red Flags and Green Flags
The Oral Health Foundation in the UK advises patients to research any overseas provider thoroughly. Here are my specific red and green flags.
Green Flags:
- The clinic uses digital intraoral scanners (e.g., 3Shape, iTero) rather than traditional putty impressions.
- They provide a written treatment plan with itemised costs.
- They offer a minimum 3-year warranty on crowns.
- They have a dedicated patient coordinator who speaks your language.
- They show you before-and-after photos of previous UK patients (not just models).
- They use reputable material brands (Ivoclar Vivadent, Dentsply Sirona, 3M).
Red Flags:
- The clinic refuses to give a written quote before you travel.
- They pressure you into treatment without a full examination.
- They use generic or unbranded materials (ask for the manufacturer name).
- They have no UK patient testimonials or references.
- They offer a “free” treatment that seems too good to be true (it usually is).
Taki Dent passes all green flags. They provide a detailed quote after a free online consultation, use only branded materials, and have hundreds of verified UK patient reviews on their website and Trustpilot.
The Patient Journey: What to Expect from Start to Finish
Your journey begins with an online consultation. Taki Dent, for example, will ask you to send photos of your teeth and a description of your concerns. They will then provide a treatment plan and cost breakdown.
Step 1: Travel and Arrival
Most UK patients fly to Antalya (Taki Dent’s location) or Istanbul. Taki Dent offers airport transfer and accommodation assistance. You should plan to stay for 7–10 days for a full mouth rehabilitation, or 3–5 days for a single crown.
Step 2: Initial Appointment
You will have a full examination, including a digital scan and X-rays. The dentist will prepare your teeth (reducing them to accommodate the crown) and fit temporary crowns. This is usually painless with local anaesthetic.
Step 3: Crown Fabrication
The clinic sends your digital scan to their in-house lab. Taki Dent’s lab is on-site, which means your crowns are made in 2–3 days rather than the 1–2 weeks common in the UK. This is a major advantage.
Step 4: Final Fitting
You return to the clinic for your permanent crowns. The dentist checks the fit, colour, and bite. Adjustments are made as needed. You leave with your new crowns cemented in place.
Step 5: Aftercare
You will receive a care plan and a warranty certificate. Taki Dent provides a 5-year warranty and offers a free check-up if you return to Turkey within that period. They also share your digital records with your UK dentist for continuity of care.
