Dental Crowns & Bridges in Larkfield, Kent
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling alone, or you have a gap where a tooth is missing, crowns and bridges offer a strong, long-lasting solution — restoring function and appearance so you can eat, speak and smile with complete confidence.
What are crowns and bridges?
Strength meets a natural look
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring it to its original shape, size, and strength. Think of it as an outer shell for a tooth that's been compromised — whether through decay, cracking, root canal treatment, or wear. Modern crowns are made from tooth-coloured ceramic or porcelain-fused materials, so they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
A dental bridge is used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those anchor teeth are fitted with crowns, and the replacement tooth — called a pontic — is suspended between them, giving you a fixed, stable restoration that functions just like your real teeth.
Do you need one? →
Is it right for you?
When would you need a crown or bridge?
A bridge may also be right for you if the teeth either side of a gap are healthy and strong enough to support it, and you want a fixed, non-removable replacement that looks and feels natural.
Heavily decayed teeth
A tooth is heavily decayed and no longer strong enough to hold a filling.
Cracked or broken teeth
A tooth has cracked or broken significantly and needs full protection.
After root canal treatment
A tooth treated with root canal treatment needs a crown to protect it long-term.
Misshapen or discoloured teeth
A tooth is misshapen or severely discoloured and you'd like to improve its appearance.
Worn or failing crowns
An existing crown has cracked, become loose, or worn down over time.
Missing teeth
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth, fixed to healthy teeth either side of the gap.
How it works
What does treatment involve?
Both crowns and bridges are typically completed over two appointments, usually two to three weeks apart. Each appointment takes around 45–90 minutes, and your restoration should feel completely natural within a few days.
Preparation
Your dentist prepares the tooth or teeth and takes precise impressions of your mouth.
Temporary fitted
A temporary crown or bridge protects the area while your restoration is crafted at our dental laboratory.
2–3 week wait
Your permanent crown or bridge is custom-made to match the shape, size and shade of your natural teeth.
Permanent fitting
The temporary is removed and your permanent restoration is checked for bite and comfort before being cemented in place.
Aftercare
Looking after your crown or bridge
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years or longer. Here's how to protect yours:
- ✓ Brush twice a day as normal — crowns and bridges don't require any special brushing technique.
- ✓ Clean under and around a bridge using floss threaders or an interdental brush — plaque can still build up at the gumline and under the pontic.
- ✓ Avoid chewing very hard foods — ice, hard sweets, bones — which can chip ceramic restorations.
- ✓ If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect your restorations.
- ✓ Attend your regular check-ups and hygienist appointments — your dentist will check the fit and condition of your crown or bridge every visit.
Fees & finance
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost depends on the material used, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the case. We will always give you a full written treatment plan, including costs, before any work begins.
Please visit our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for current pricing.
Restorative dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
Frequently asked
How long do crowns last? +
With good care and regular dental check-ups, crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years. Some last considerably longer. The longevity depends on the material, the position of the tooth, and your home care routine.
Will a crown look like a real tooth? +
Yes. Modern tooth-coloured crowns are made from high-quality ceramic and are shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. Most people — including you — won't be able to tell the difference.
What's the difference between a bridge and a dental implant? +
A bridge relies on the adjacent natural teeth for support and doesn't replace the tooth root. A dental implant is fixed directly into the jawbone and stands independently — it's a more permanent solution and preserves the bone in a way that a bridge cannot. Both are excellent options depending on your circumstances; we'll help you decide which is right for you.
Is getting a crown painful? +
No. The tooth is fully numbed before any preparation begins, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity around the prepared tooth is normal in the days between your appointments; this settles once the permanent crown is fitted.
Ready to find out more?
Restore your smile with confidence
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.