Strength, shape and colour restored
A crown is a custom cap that covers the whole visible tooth. A bridge uses crowns on the teeth either side of a gap to hold a replacement tooth in between.
Crowns are used when a tooth is too weak or broken for a filling: after a root canal, when a large filling is failing, or when a tooth is cracked or badly worn. They hold the tooth together and protect it from further damage.
We offer high-strength pressable ceramic (Emax), all-ceramic, porcelain and zirconia crowns, made with digital impressions and CAD/CAM precision. Bridges are a reliable fixed option when an implant is not suitable or not preferred.
When you might need a crown or bridge
These are the most common reasons patients are advised to have a crown or bridge.
- A tooth that has had a root canal treatment
- A large or failing filling
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Severely worn or short teeth
- A missing tooth with healthy neighbours
- Old crowns that are dark at the gum line or no longer fit
If you are missing a tooth, we will also explain how a bridge compares with a dental implant, so you can choose with all the facts.
See it in practice
A short video from our YouTube channel, and a look at the work itself.
The process
What to expect, step by step. Your own timeline is confirmed once we have examined you.
We examine the tooth, take X-rays and a digital scan, and agree the right material and shade with you.
Visit 1The tooth is shaped to make room for the crown, under local anaesthesia. A temporary crown protects it in the meantime.
Visit 1Your crown or bridge is made from the digital impression to fit precisely and match your teeth.
In betweenThe final crown or bridge is checked for fit, bite and colour, then cemented in place.
Final visitWhy patients choose VIN SMILES for crowns
Crowns and bridges are the core of prosthodontics, and at VIN SMILES they are planned by our specialist prosthodontist. Each restoration is designed for how it looks, how it fits your bite and how long it will last.
Digital impressions and CAD/CAM production mean a precise fit with fewer adjustments, and a choice of materials means your crown is chosen for your tooth, not the other way round.
A specialist for every procedure. No exceptions.
Common questions
It depends on the tooth. Emax and all-ceramic crowns give the most natural look for front teeth. Zirconia is very strong for back teeth. We recommend the right material for each position.
Preparation is done under local anaesthesia, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal.
Typically 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the material, your bite and how well the teeth and gums are looked after.
A bridge relies on the neighbouring teeth for support. An implant stands on its own. Both are good options in the right situation, and we explain the trade-offs honestly.
Restore your tooth with a specialist
An assessment with X-rays, a digital scan and a clear plan with itemised costs. No obligation to proceed.