Porcelain Crowns and Veneers
Treatment
Restore damaged teeth or transform your smile with premium porcelain crowns and ultra-thin veneers for results indistinguishable from natural teeth.
About the treatment
Porcelain crowns and veneers are two of the most effective restorations in modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry. A porcelain crown is a tooth-shaped cap that encases the entire visible portion of a tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. A veneer, by contrast, is an ultra-thin porcelain shell (typically 0.3-0.7mm) bonded to the front surface of a tooth, primarily to enhance aesthetics with minimal tooth preparation. The materials used in these restorations have advanced dramatically. At BestDent, we work with premium ceramic systems including IPS e.max lithium disilicate, zirconia, and feldspathic porcelain. IPS e.max delivers exceptional translucency that mimics the light-handling properties of natural enamel, making it virtually impossible to distinguish from real teeth. Zirconia offers superior strength for posterior crowns and bridge frameworks, with flexural strength exceeding 1,000 MPa, far surpassing older porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations. Our digital workflow sets BestDent apart. We use intraoral scanners to capture precision digital impressions, eliminating uncomfortable traditional moulds. These scans feed directly into CAD/CAM design software, where your restorations are digitally sculpted for optimal fit, function, and aesthetics. In many cases, same-day crowns are possible using chairside milling technology, though our master ceramists hand-layer premium restorations for the most demanding aesthetic cases. Veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments worldwide, and for good reason. With minimal preparation (or even no-prep in select cases), veneers can correct discolouration, chips, gaps, slight misalignment, and uneven tooth shapes in just two appointments. The results are immediately transformative, often described by patients as life-changing. For international patients, porcelain crowns and veneers are among the most sought-after treatments in dental tourism. The combination of world-class materials, skilled ceramic artistry, and significant savings compared to Western European clinics makes Istanbul a premier destination for smile transformations.
We can make your smile look great
Restore damaged teeth or transform your smile with premium porcelain crowns and ultra-thin veneers for results indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Keep your teeth healthy
Your treatment starts with a detailed clinical examination, digital photographs, and X-rays to assess tooth health, gum condition, and bite alignment. For veneer cases, a Digital Smile Design (DSD) session creates a virtual preview of your new smile, allowing you to see and approve the planned result before any preparation begins.
The benefits of our dental treatments
- Indistinguishable from natural teeth thanks to advanced ceramics that replicate enamel translucency and colour
- Exceptional durability with IPS e.max lasting 15-20 years and zirconia crowns even longer with proper care
- Highly stain-resistant surface that maintains its brightness over years of use
- 100% biocompatible materials with no risk of metal allergies or dark gum-line discolouration
- Minimal tooth preparation required for veneers, preserving maximum natural tooth structure
- Restores full chewing function while protecting weakened or damaged teeth
- Digital precision with CAD/CAM technology ensuring perfect fit and bite alignment
- Dramatically improved smile aesthetics that boost confidence in professional and social settings
- Gum-friendly materials that maintain healthy soft tissue margins without irritation
- Same-day options available for select cases using chairside milling technology
Who is it for?
- Patients with cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth needing structural restoration
- Those with severe tooth discolouration that does not respond to whitening treatments
- People with misshapen, uneven, or disproportionate teeth affecting smile aesthetics
- Patients requiring protection for weakened teeth after root canal treatment
- Those with gaps between front teeth (diastema) who want a non-orthodontic solution
- Individuals with worn or eroded teeth from grinding, acid reflux, or ageing
- Patients replacing old, dark-lined porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns with modern all-ceramic restorations
- Anyone seeking a complete smile makeover with natural-looking, long-lasting results
- International patients looking for premium cosmetic dentistry at accessible pricing
- People who want to correct minor alignment issues without braces or clear aligners
Treatment Process
Comprehensive Smile Assessment
Your treatment starts with a detailed clinical examination, digital photographs, and X-rays to assess tooth health, gum condition, and bite alignment. For veneer cases, a Digital Smile Design (DSD) session creates a virtual preview of your new smile, allowing you to see and approve the planned result before any preparation begins.
Treatment Planning and Shade Selection
Together with your dentist, you choose the ideal shape, size, and shade for your restorations. Using a spectrophotometer and shade guides under calibrated lighting, the perfect colour match is determined. Your preferences guide the final design, whether you want a natural look or a brighter Hollywood-style result.
Tooth Preparation
For crowns, a thin layer of tooth structure is removed from all surfaces to create space for the restoration. For veneers, only 0.3-0.7mm is removed from the front surface, and in select cases, no preparation is needed at all. Local anaesthesia ensures complete comfort throughout the preparation process.
Digital Impressions and Temporary Restorations
Precision digital scans are captured using an intraoral scanner, replacing traditional messy impression materials. These scans are sent directly to the dental laboratory. High-quality temporary crowns or veneers are placed to protect prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics while your permanent restorations are being crafted.
Master Ceramist Fabrication
Your restorations are handcrafted by experienced dental technicians using CAD/CAM technology combined with artistic hand-layering techniques. Multiple firings build up layers of porcelain that replicate the depth, translucency, and natural colour variations of real teeth. This process takes 5-10 working days for premium results.
Try-In and Adjustment
Before permanent bonding, each restoration is tried in to verify fit, colour, and aesthetic harmony. You have the opportunity to evaluate your new smile and request any final adjustments. Your dentist checks bite alignment, contact points, and marginal integrity to ensure clinical perfection.
Permanent Bonding and Polishing
Once approved, the restorations are permanently bonded using advanced adhesive systems and light-cured resin cements. Excess cement is meticulously removed, margins are polished, and final bite adjustments are made. The result is a seamless, natural-looking restoration that feels like your own tooth.
Aftercare and Maintenance Guidance
BestDent provides detailed care instructions to maximise the lifespan of your restorations. This includes guidance on oral hygiene, night guard recommendations for patients who grind their teeth, and a suggested check-up schedule. International patients receive remote follow-up support and can consult our team digitally for any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between porcelain crowns and veneers?
A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when significant structural restoration is needed, such as after root canal treatment or for badly damaged teeth. A veneer covers only the front surface and is primarily an aesthetic treatment for healthy teeth that need cosmetic improvement. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate option based on your tooth's condition and your goals.
How long do porcelain crowns and veneers last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, porcelain crowns typically last 15-20 years, and many last much longer. Veneers have similar longevity, though the bonding adhesive may eventually need attention. Avoiding habits like ice-chewing, nail-biting, or using teeth to open packages will help maximise their lifespan.
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
Premium porcelain veneers crafted from materials like IPS e.max are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. The ceramic replicates the translucency, depth, and light-handling characteristics of real enamel. At BestDent, our ceramists hand-layer each veneer to match your individual tooth characteristics, creating results that look completely natural.
Is the procedure painful?
Tooth preparation is performed under local anaesthesia, so you feel no pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild sensitivity in the days following preparation, which typically resolves quickly. Veneer preparation involves less tooth reduction than crowns, so sensitivity tends to be minimal.
Can porcelain veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can effectively correct the appearance of mildly crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth without orthodontic treatment. However, for significant misalignment, orthodontic correction followed by veneers may produce a better long-term result. Your BestDent dentist will assess whether veneers alone can achieve the smile you want.
Do veneers stain like natural teeth?
High-quality porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, red wine, and other common culprits. The glazed ceramic surface repels stains far better than natural enamel. However, the composite bonding at the veneer margins can discolour over time, which is why regular professional cleaning is recommended.
How many veneers do I need for a smile makeover?
A typical smile makeover involves 6-10 upper veneers, covering the teeth visible when you smile. Some patients also choose 4-6 lower veneers for a complete transformation. The exact number depends on your smile line, facial symmetry, and aesthetic goals, all of which are determined during your Digital Smile Design consultation.
What is the difference between zirconia and porcelain crowns?
Zirconia crowns are made from a type of ceramic that is exceptionally strong, making them ideal for back teeth and bridges. Traditional porcelain (like IPS e.max) offers superior aesthetics and translucency, making it the preferred choice for front teeth. At BestDent, we often combine both: zirconia frameworks with hand-layered porcelain for the best of both worlds.
Can old metal crowns be replaced with porcelain?
Absolutely. Replacing old porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns with modern all-ceramic restorations is one of the most common procedures we perform. The new crowns eliminate the dark metal line at the gum margin, improve aesthetics, and are fully biocompatible. The replacement process follows the same steps as a new crown.
How many appointments are needed for veneers or crowns?
Standard treatment requires two main appointments over 7-10 days: one for preparation and impressions, and one for final bonding. International patients at BestDent typically plan a single trip of 7-10 days to complete the entire process. Emergency or single-tooth cases may qualify for same-day crowns using chairside milling technology.
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This information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your dentist for treatment options.
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