Porcelain Crowns (PFM) in Turkey

What is a porcelain crown?

A porcelain crown, also called a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or metal-ceramic crown, is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It has two layers: a thin metal frame that fits over the prepared tooth, and tooth-coloured porcelain fired on top of it in several layers.

It is different from a veneer. A veneer is a thin shell bonded only to the front of a tooth; a crown covers the tooth on every side. If you are looking for thin porcelain shells for front teeth, see Laminate Veneers.

When is a porcelain crown a good choice?

Porcelain crowns have been used for decades and are best suited to back teeth, where chewing forces are highest and appearance matters less. They are a common choice for:

• Molars and premolars that are heavily filled, cracked or broken
• Teeth after root canal treatment that need full coverage
• Bridges that replace one or more missing back teeth
• Patients looking for a durable, more affordable alternative to all-ceramic crowns

For front teeth, a metal-free crown such as zirconia or E-max usually looks more natural, because it lets light through the way enamel does.

How is a porcelain crown made and fitted?

Treatment usually takes 2 sessions over 5 to 7 days.

1. 01Examination and planning. Your dentist checks the tooth and the gum, and takes X-rays where needed.
2. 02Tooth preparation. Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is reshaped evenly on all sides to make room for the metal frame and the porcelain.
3. 03Impression or digital scan. An exact copy of the prepared tooth and its neighbours is sent to the laboratory, together with the chosen shade.
4. 04Temporary crown. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent one is made.
5. 05Laboratory work. The metal frame is made first; porcelain is then fired over it layer by layer.
6. 06Try-in and cementation. Fit, bite and colour are checked in the mouth before the crown is permanently cemented.
7. 07Follow-up. A check-up confirms that the gum around the crown is healthy.

Treatment Process

1. 01Consultation: Initial examination and needs assessment; imaging where required.
2. 02Treatment: Tooth preparation, impression, temporary crown placement.
3. 03Follow-up: Outcome review and aftercare guidance.

How does it compare with zirconia and E-max crowns?

In a 2026 meta-analysis of 64 clinical studies, metal-ceramic single crowns showed 97.1% survival at five years, similar to monolithic zirconia and lithium disilicate crowns (1).

What are the drawbacks?

• Appearance at the gum line. If the gum recedes over time, the metal edge can show as a dark line.
• Less natural translucency. Because the metal blocks light, a porcelain crown can look more opaque than a natural front tooth.
• More tooth reduction. Space is needed for both the metal and the porcelain layer.
• Metal sensitivity. Contact allergy to dental materials, including alloys, has been documented (5). Tell your dentist about any known metal allergy; a metal-free crown is the alternative.

How long does a porcelain crown last?

Porcelain crowns have one of the longest track records in dentistry. A practice-based study that followed metal-ceramic crowns for 20 years reported 78.8% survival for single crowns on back teeth (6). Mosdent gives a 5-year warranty on porcelain crowns.

How long your crown lasts depends mostly on the health of the tooth and gum underneath, your daily cleaning, and whether you grind your teeth.

How do I look after a porcelain crown?

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day. Under a bridge, use a floss threader or an interdental brush.
• Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common in the first days and usually settles.
• Avoid biting very hard objects such as ice or nut shells.
• If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a night guard.
• Keep your regular check-ups, so the gum margin can be monitored.

What affects the cost of a porcelain crown?

The final cost depends on the number of teeth, whether a bridge is needed, any treatment required before the crown (such as a root canal or gum treatment), and the alloy used for the frame. Your dentist gives you a written, itemised plan after the examination.