Restore

Dental crowns and bridges in London

A crown is a laboratory-made restoration that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape and strength; a bridge uses one or more crowns to replace an adjacent missing tooth.

At a glance

Appointment: 60–90 minutes
Visits: Preparation and fit, with a temporary in between
Results: 1–3 weeks
Longevity: Typically 10–15 years
Reversibility: Irreversible — tooth is prepared
Anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic

Crowns start from £525 per unit, including laboratory work. A bridge is costed by the number of units it spans. Root canal treatment, where a tooth needs it first, starts from £495.

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Assessment and diagnosis before any cosmetic treatment

Educational illustration of a full ceramic crown seated over a prepared posterior tooth, with a second crown shown separately — IllustrationEducational illustration — a full crown covers the prepared clinical crown and is checked for fit and bite.

Compare your options

Why crowns & bridges rather than something else?

All treatments

Who is suitable for crowns & bridges?

Heavily filled, cracked or root-treated teeth
Teeth that cannot be predictably restored with direct filling material
Replacement of a missing tooth where an implant is not chosen

What problems does crowns & bridges solve?

Fractured teeth
Extensive wear
Failing large restorations
Single missing teeth

What happens at the crowns & bridges assessment?

Assessment of remaining tooth structure and root health
Bite and wear analysis
Radiographs

How does crowns & bridges work?

01
Preparation
The tooth is shaped to accommodate the restoration.
02
Records
Digital scans or impressions are sent to the laboratory.
03
Temporary
A provisional restoration protects the tooth.
04
Fit
The definitive crown or bridge is fitted and adjusted.

What are the benefits?

Protects compromised teeth
Restores function and appearance
Predictable, well-evidenced treatment

What are the limitations?

Requires removal of tooth tissue
Bridges load the supporting teeth
Will need replacement at some point

What are the risks of crowns & bridges?

Sensitivity
Nerve inflammation requiring root canal treatment
Decay at the margin
Fracture of ceramic

What are the alternatives to crowns & bridges?

How long does crowns & bridges last?

Crowns commonly last ten years or more; longevity depends on the underlying tooth, bite and hygiene.

How is crowns & bridges maintained?

Interdental cleaning around margins
Hygiene appointments
Night guard where grinding is present

How much does crowns & bridges cost in London?

From £525Guide fee

Crowns start from £525 per unit, including laboratory work. A bridge is costed by the number of units it spans. Root canal treatment, where a tooth needs it first, starts from £495.

A written plan with itemised fees is provided after assessment, before any treatment is agreed. See the full fee guide.

Clinical cases

Crowns & bridges cases

Published only with explicit patient consent.

The same central incisor restored with a bonded e.max ceramic crown, matched in shade, translucency and surface texture to the neighbouring teeth

Clinical photograph of a prepared upper central incisor, darker than the adjacent teeth and reduced ready for a full-coverage crown

E.max crowns · Crowns & bridges

E.max crown on a central incisor

Appointments: Preparation, temporary, fit
Duration: Two clinical visits with laboratory time between

Common questions

Crowns & bridges: common questions

All frequently asked questions

How do I choose between bonding and veneers?

Bonding is usually additive, repairable and reversible, but stains more readily. Veneers are more stain resistant and durable, but require enamel preparation and are irreversible. The right choice depends on tooth position, remaining enamel, bite and how much change is needed.

Evidence & references

Where this information comes from

General Dental Council — Standards for the Dental TeamGeneral Dental Council
NICE guidance on dental care and recall intervalsNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Author

Written by

Dr Vikas Prinja — The London Dentist

Cosmetic, restorative and implant dentistry, London.

About Dr Vikas Prinja

How this fits together

Consider alongside

How this treatment relates to the others, and why each relationship exists.

Less invasive alternative

Restorative dentistry

A direct restoration or onlay preserves more tooth than a full crown and is preferred where enough sound structure remains.

Less invasive alternative

Ceramic veneers

On front teeth with intact structure, a veneer covers the visible surface rather than the whole tooth.

Alternative tooth replacement

Dental implants

Where a tooth cannot be restored predictably, replacement with an implant may be the more durable long-term option.