What is a dental crown?
A crown is a custom-made cap that covers the whole visible part of a tooth, restoring its shape, strength and appearance. At Caspian Dental Clinic, we provide dental crowns and bridges in Bushey, designed to suit your bite and blend with your neighbouring teeth.
When might you need a crown?
- after root canal treatment on a back tooth, to protect it from cracking
- when a large filling leaves too little tooth to support another filling
- to hold a cracked tooth together and reduce the risk of it splitting further
- to rebuild a badly worn or broken tooth
- to improve the shape or colour of a heavily filled or discoloured tooth
A crown isn’t always the answer. Preparing a tooth for one removes a significant amount of its outer surface, which can’t be undone, and occasionally the nerve of a heavily restored tooth becomes inflamed afterwards and needs root canal treatment. Where a smaller option such as an onlay or a white filling will do the job, we’ll tell you.
“Dr Mirzakhani is very knowledgeable always explaining the rationale for any treatment required.”
Mark, Google review
Crown materials
Crowns are made in a dental laboratory to our prescription. The main options are:
- All-ceramic (porcelain) crowns: the most natural-looking choice and ideal for front teeth. High-strength ceramics can also be used on back teeth.
- Porcelain bonded to metal: a metal inner layer with porcelain on top, which is very strong. If the gum recedes, a thin dark line can sometimes show at the edge.
We’ll recommend a material based on where the tooth is, how heavily you bite and how much it shows when you smile.
How a crown is made and fitted
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Consultation and X-rays
We examine the tooth, take X-rays and check that it’s healthy enough for a crown. We explain the options and the fee before you decide.
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Preparing the tooth
Under local anaesthetic, we remove decay and any weak filling, build the core up if needed, then shape the tooth so the crown can fit over it.
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Impressions and shade
We take an impression of the prepared tooth and your bite, and choose the shade with you.
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Temporary crown
You’ll wear a temporary crown while yours is made. Avoid sticky or very hard food on that side, and call us if it comes off.
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Fitting your crown
About two weeks later, we check the fit, bite and colour, and cement the crown permanently once you’re happy with how it looks and feels.
Dental bridges: replacing missing teeth
A bridge fills a gap with a false tooth (a pontic) fixed to the teeth on one or both sides. A conventional bridge holds the false tooth between crowns placed on the neighbouring teeth. Where the bite and supporting tooth allow, a resin-bonded bridge uses a small wing bonded to the back of a neighbouring tooth, which needs far less preparation.
Bridges are fixed, so unlike a denture they don’t come out, and they need no surgery. The trade-offs are that conventional bridges involve cutting down neighbouring teeth, the supporting teeth carry extra load, and you’ll need to clean under the false tooth every day. A bridge doesn’t replace the root, so the bone under the gap can gradually shrink.
Bridge or implant?
| Consideration | Bridge | Dental implant |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Not needed | Needed to place the implant |
| Neighbouring teeth | Usually prepared to support it | Left untouched |
| Typical timescale | A few weeks | Typically 3–6 months |
| Bone under the gap | Can shrink over time | Helps preserve it |
| Cleaning | Floss threader or brush under the false tooth | Clean around it much like a natural tooth |
| Fee | Priced on assessment | From £3,000 |
Bridges are priced on assessment, as the fee depends on the design and number of teeth involved. Suitability for either option is confirmed at a consultation and examination, and we’ll also explain whether dental implants or dentures might suit you.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good care, crowns and bridges can last many years, though none lasts forever. Their lifespan depends on the health of the supporting teeth, your cleaning, your diet and whether you grind.
The tooth under a crown can still decay at the edge, porcelain can chip, and gums can recede to show the margin. If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard can help protect your crowns.
Caring for your crown or bridge
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to where the crown meets the gum.
- Clean between your teeth daily, and under a bridge with a floss threader or interdental brush.
- Avoid biting very hard things such as ice, boiled sweets or pen tops.
- Mild sensitivity for a few days after fitting is common; contact us if your bite feels uneven.
- Keep up regular check-ups so we can check the edges and the supporting teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges in Bushey: costs
Crowns start from £1,000 each; the exact fee depends on the material and complexity, and we confirm it before treatment. Bridges are priced on assessment.
Why choose Caspian Dental Clinic?
You’ll see Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, our principal dentist, at each stage, from planning to fitting. With more than 25 years’ experience, she explains why a crown or bridge is or isn’t needed, so you can decide with confidence. We’re about 100 yards from Bushey railway station, easy to reach from Watford, and open on Saturdays.
“Finding a real craftsman is always difficult, whatever the trade. Very caring and skillful dentist…”
Jeremy, Google review
Crowns and bridges: frequently asked questions
How much does a dental crown cost in Bushey?
At Caspian Dental Clinic, crowns start from £1,000. The exact fee depends on the material and how complex the tooth is, and we confirm it in advance. Bridges are priced on assessment.
How long does it take to get a crown?
Usually two appointments about two weeks apart: one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and one to fit the finished crown. You’ll wear a temporary crown in between.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is prepared under local anaesthetic, and we make sure you’re numb before we start. Some sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days afterwards is common and usually settles on its own.
Is a bridge or an implant better for a missing tooth?
It depends on the teeth either side of the gap, your bone, your health and your preferences. A bridge avoids surgery and is quicker; an implant leaves neighbouring teeth untouched but involves surgery and takes longer. We’ll talk through both at a consultation.
Can a crown be whitened?
No. Crowns don’t change colour with whitening, so if you’d like whiter teeth, it’s best to whiten first and then match the new crown to your new shade.
What should I do if my crown comes off?
Keep the crown safe and call us as soon as you can. Don’t use household glue. Until you’re seen, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean, as the exposed tooth may be sensitive.