Recommended for back teeth
Zirconia Crown
- Strongest ceramic material available
- Completely metal-free
- Exceptional long-term durability
- Beautiful, natural-looking finish
Restorative Dentistry · East Dulwich
Dental Crowns & Bridges
in East Dulwich
Restore damaged or missing teeth with beautiful, strong and natural-looking restorations — hand-crafted zirconia and E.max ceramics, fitted with meticulous precision.
Section 01
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made protective cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. Once bonded in place it works exactly like a natural tooth — restoring strength, appearance and function in a single beautiful restoration.
- ✓ Rebuilds strength on cracked or heavily filled teeth
- ✓ Recreates a natural shape, colour and translucency
- ✓ Protects the tooth from future fracture
- ✓ Restores comfortable chewing and biting
Section 02
When is a Crown Needed?
A crown is recommended whenever a tooth is too damaged to be reliably restored with a filling alone.
01
Large filling
When a large filling leaves too little natural tooth to withstand chewing forces.
02
Cracked tooth
A crown holds a cracked tooth together and prevents the crack from spreading deeper.
03
Broken tooth
Rebuilds a broken or chipped tooth back to full shape, strength and appearance.
04
Worn tooth
Restores height and function on teeth worn down by grinding or acid erosion.
05
After root canal
Root canal treated teeth are more brittle. A crown after root canal treatment significantly reduces the risk of the tooth fracturing.
06
Cosmetic reshaping
Improves the shape, size or colour of a tooth that lets down your smile.
Section 03
Different Types of Crowns
We use only premium materials, hand-crafted by trusted UK dental laboratories. The right material depends on the tooth being restored.
Ideal for front teeth
E.max Crown
- Highly aesthetic lithium disilicate ceramic
- Translucent, like natural enamel
- Blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth
- Excellent cosmetic result
Traditional option
Porcelain Fused to Metal
A porcelain outer layer bonded to a metal substructure. Durable and long-established, but a subtle grey margin can appear at the gum line over time — which is why we now prefer all-ceramic materials for most cases.
Extremely durable
Full Metal / Gold Crown
Gold crowns are exceptionally strong and gentle on opposing teeth. Rarely used on visible teeth today, but still an excellent choice for hidden back molars in selected cases.
Section 04
The Crown Procedure
Every crown is planned and fitted with precision — usually across two comfortable appointments.
-
1
Consultation & planning
A thorough clinical examination, digital X-rays where needed, and a fully explained treatment plan tailored to your tooth and your smile.
-
2
Preparing the tooth
Under gentle local anaesthetic, the damaged tooth is carefully shaped to create the ideal foundation for the new crown.
-
3
Digital scan
A high-precision intraoral scanner captures your teeth in seconds — no messy traditional impressions in most cases.
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4
Temporary crown
A comfortable temporary crown protects the prepared tooth and lets you eat and smile normally while the final crown is made.
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5
Master ceramist
A skilled UK-based ceramist hand-crafts your final crown, matching shape, shade and translucency to your natural teeth.
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6
Fitting the final crown
We check fit, colour and bite in fine detail, then bond your new crown permanently in place.
Section 05
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that literally bridges the space left by a missing tooth. The two teeth on either side of the gap are prepared like crowns, and a false tooth — called a pontic — is joined between them.
Once cemented, a bridge is fixed in the mouth. It cannot be taken out, and it looks and functions like natural teeth.
When is a bridge suitable?
- ✓ One or two adjacent teeth are missing
- ✓ Neighbouring teeth are strong and healthy — or already need crowns
- ✓ Dental implants are not suitable for medical or anatomical reasons
- ✓ A fast, fixed solution is preferred
Section 06
Bridge or Implant?
Both are excellent treatments. Here is our honest, professional view.
Whenever it is clinically possible, we generally recommend a dental implant for replacing a single missing tooth. This is because:
- ✓ The neighbouring teeth are left completely untouched
- ✓ An implant is easier to clean, like a natural tooth
- ✓ It preserves the underlying jaw bone from shrinking
- ✓ It is usually the best long-term solution
That said, bridges remain a beautiful, fast and highly effective option — and in some cases they are the right choice. We will always talk you through both.
Feature
Dental Bridge
Dental Implant
Neighbouring teeth
Must be shaped down
Left untouched
Cleaning
Requires floss threaders
Cleaned like a natural tooth
Bone preservation
Bone slowly shrinks under the gap
Stimulates and preserves bone
Treatment time
Usually 2–3 weeks
Typically 3–6 months
Typical lifespan
10–15 years
20+ years, often lifetime
Best for
Missing tooth with crowned neighbours
Most single missing teeth
Every patient is different. Your consultation will identify the right option for your mouth, your budget and your lifestyle.
Section 07
Looking After Crowns & Bridges
Beautiful ceramics last longer when they are cared for. A simple daily routine and regular professional cleaning is all it takes.
- ✓ Brush twice a day with a soft or electric toothbrush
- ✓ Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- ✓ Use a floss threader or superfloss under the pontic of a bridge
- ✓ See our dental hygienist regularly for professional cleaning around crowns and bridges
- ✓ Avoid biting very hard foods (ice, boiled sweets) directly on the restoration
With good home care and regular hygiene visits, your crowns and bridges will stay strong, healthy and beautiful for many years to come.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a dental crown last?
A well-made ceramic crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and hygienist visits. Many of our crowns last considerably longer.
Does getting a crown hurt?
No. The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards, which quickly settles.
Which crown material is best?
It depends on the tooth. Zirconia is our first choice for back teeth because of its outstanding strength. E.max is ideal for front teeth thanks to its natural translucency. We recommend the right material at your consultation.
How long does a bridge last?
A traditional bridge generally lasts 10 to 15 years. Longevity depends heavily on the health of the supporting teeth and how well the bridge is cleaned.
Is an implant better than a bridge?
In most cases, yes. An implant replaces the missing tooth without touching the neighbouring teeth, is easier to clean, and preserves the underlying jaw bone. A bridge is still an excellent option when implants are not suitable.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes. Once the final crown is cemented you can eat normally. We simply advise avoiding very hard foods to protect the restoration long term.
How do I clean a bridge?
Brush twice a day and use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean underneath the pontic. Regular hygienist visits are essential.
Why do root canal treated teeth usually need crowns?
Root canal treated teeth are more brittle and prone to fracture. A crown protects the tooth by covering it completely and significantly reduces the risk of it breaking.
Book your crown & bridge consultation in East Dulwich
Talk with Dr Ali and the team about the best restoration for your smile. We will explain every option honestly — with no pressure.