If you're looking for a provider of dental crowns Hornchurch patients can turn to for a damaged, weakened or heavily restored tooth, you may be wondering whether you need a crown, bridge or another treatment. Perhaps you've cracked a tooth, had root canal treatment or have a gap from a missing tooth.
We'll examine your teeth carefully, explain the options without rushing you and aim to preserve healthy natural tooth structure wherever we reasonably can. The right treatment should restore comfortable function while fitting naturally with your other teeth and your smile.
What's the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that fits over a tooth that's still present, rebuilding its strength, shape and function.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth, or sometimes two adjacent missing teeth, using neighbouring teeth for support. Unlike removable dentures, it stays fixed in place.
In simple terms:
- A crown restores a tooth you still have
- A bridge replaces a tooth that's missing
Your dentist will consider the tooth, your bite, the surrounding teeth and your wider oral health before recommending treatment.
When might we recommend a crown or bridge?
A crown may be suitable for a cracked, broken or worn tooth, a tooth with a very large filling, or a root-treated tooth that needs additional protection. If you're looking for dental crowns in Hornchurch, we'll assess how much healthy tooth structure remains before recommending the most appropriate option.
A bridge may be considered when one or more teeth are missing and you'd prefer a fixed replacement. At our Hornchurch dental practice, we'll also consider whether another treatment would preserve more natural tooth structure. An onlay may sometimes be more conservative than a full crown, while dental implants or dentures may be alternatives for missing teeth.
The important thing is that we look at the whole picture before recommending a particular route.
Porcelain, zirconia and gold crowns: which material may be right for you?
If you've been researching porcelain crowns in Hornchurch, you may also have come across ceramic, zirconia and gold crowns.
Our Hornchurch dentists use modern all-ceramic crowns by default, custom-made to blend with your other teeth. Full gold crowns are also available where gold is the most appropriate material for the individual tooth.
The right choice depends on where the tooth sits, the forces placed on it and how much healthy tooth remains. We'll explain what we recommend and why at your consultation, rather than asking you to choose from a list on your own.
What happens during the dental crown or bridge procedure?
Most crown and bridge treatment takes place over two main dental appointments. At the first, we'll gently prepare the tooth under local anaesthetic and take a precise 3D digital scan, with no traditional putty impression. We'll then fit a temporary crown or bridge while the dental laboratory makes your final restoration, usually over around two weeks.
At your second dental appointment, we'll check the shape, shade, fit and bite carefully before bonding the final restoration into place.
The same dentist remains involved throughout the procedure, so you'll have a familiar clinician who knows your treatment plan from the initial consultation through to the final fit.
Dental implants, bridges and dentures: what are the options for missing teeth?
If you're replacing a single tooth or several missing teeth, a bridge isn't your only option. We can also talk to you about single dental implants, multiple tooth implants, and dentures, so you can understand how the different approaches compare.
Dental implants replace the tooth root as well as supporting a replacement tooth. The implant is placed into the jawbone and can support a crown, bridge or, in some cases, an implant-retained denture. Unlike a conventional bridge, a single dental implant doesn't rely on neighbouring teeth for support.
Implants aren't automatically right for everyone. Your jawbone, gums, general health, treatment preferences and budget all need to be considered. A bridge may make good sense where neighbouring teeth already need crowns, while dentures can sometimes be a practical way to replace several missing teeth.
Because we provide dental implants alongside restorative dental care, we can compare the options with you at your consultation rather than steering you towards one treatment before we've examined you.
How much do dental crowns and bridges cost in Hornchurch?
If you're comparing dental crown cost in Hornchurch or elsewhere in Essex, it helps to know exactly what type of restoration is being quoted.
Our current fees for crowns and bridges in Hornchurch are:
- All-ceramic crown or onlay: from £850
- Full gold crown: from £950
- Dental bridge: from £850 per unit
- Adhesive Maryland bridge: from £850
A conventional three-unit bridge replacing one missing tooth is normally priced as three units. We'll give you a written estimate before treatment begins, so you can consider the cost before deciding whether to go ahead. We also offer 0% dental finance over 12 months, with longer-term APR options available, subject to terms and status.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
A well-made crown or bridge will often last around 10 to 20 years, although there's no fixed lifespan that applies to every patient.
Longevity depends on the health of the supporting teeth and gums, your bite, home care and habits such as clenching or grinding.
Crowns and bridges still benefit from good routine dental care, and we'll check your restoration as part of your regular reviews so we can keep an eye on how it and the surrounding teeth are doing.
Do you offer same-day dental crowns in Hornchurch?
Whilst your final crown isn't normally made and fitted on the same day, as it's custom-made following your digital scan, we can provide a same-day temporary crown in Hornchurch to protect the prepared tooth while your final restoration is being made. Where the tooth in question is in a more visible area, such as at the front of your smile, we'll also aim to make the temporary crown as natural-looking and cosmetically pleasing as circumstances allow.
If a tooth breaks or a crown comes out unexpectedly, we offer same-day urgent dental appointments in Hornchurch with an emergency dentist during surgery hours where availability allows. Where clinically appropriate, we may be able to provide same-day temporary treatment, such as a temporary dressing or short-term stabilisation, before arranging the definitive crown procedure. If you're in pain or have broken a tooth, call Hacton Dental Care as early in the day as you can so we can try to arrange a same-day visit.
Routine dental care after a crown or bridge
Good routine dental care helps protect your restoration and the teeth supporting it.
Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth carefully. Regular dental reviews allow us to check your crown or bridge, gums, bite and surrounding teeth, while your dental hygienist can support you with keeping the area healthy over time.
Book a dental crown consultation to restore your smile
If you've broken or lost a tooth, or you've been told you may need a crown or bridge, our experienced dentists will take the time to explain why and talk you through the alternatives to restoring your bite and your smile.
We're a fully private dental practice in Hornchurch in Essex, welcoming patients from Hornchurch, Elm Park, Emerson Park and surrounding areas of Essex. If you'd like to understand the best way to restore your tooth and protect your smile, book a consultation with our dental team.
Book a consultation online or call 01708 447 603 today to discuss dental crowns, dental bridges or other restorative treatment in Hornchurch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private dental crown better than an NHS crown?
A private dental crown isn't automatically better than an NHS crown, but private treatment can offer a wider choice of materials and cosmetic options. NHS crowns are provided where they're clinically necessary, while private treatment may give you more flexibility over materials, appearance and the way the restoration is planned for your smile. At our fully private dental practice in Hornchurch, we use modern all-ceramic crowns as our default and will talk you through the options for your tooth before you decide whether to go ahead. If you're specifically looking for NHS dental care, our sister practice Church View Dental is nearby and currently accepting NHS patients.
Should I have teeth whitening before a crown on a front tooth?
If you're planning teeth whitening and a crown on a front tooth, it's usually best to complete the whitening first. Teeth whitening changes the shade of natural teeth but won't lighten a ceramic crown, so we'll normally allow your tooth shade to settle after whitening before matching the new crown to your surrounding front teeth and smile. If you're considering a wider smile treatment involving whitening, crowns or veneers, we can help you plan the right order before treatment begins.
Can I have Invisalign or braces if I already have dental crowns?
Yes, you can often have Invisalign or braces if you already have dental crowns. Orthodontic treatment can sometimes move crowned teeth, but we'll need to consider the condition of your crowns, your bite and any bridges or dental implants already present. We'll look at your whole mouth before recommending Invisalign or braces, so your existing dental work can be properly factored into the plan.
Can a chipped porcelain crown be repaired?
Yes, a chipped porcelain crown can sometimes be repaired without replacing the whole crown. Whether repair is suitable depends on the size and position of the chip, whether the crown is still secure and whether the damaged tooth underneath has been affected. If your crown has chipped or broken, book an appointment with us so we can assess whether repair or replacement is the better option.
Can a loose dental bridge be re-cemented?
Yes, a loose dental bridge can sometimes be re-cemented if the bridge and supporting teeth are still healthy. We'll first need to understand why it has become loose and check that there's no decay, damage or other problem underneath. A loose bridge is best checked by a dentist rather than pushed back into place at home.
Can I have a dental bridge if I have gum disease?
You may be able to have a dental bridge if you have gum disease, but active gum disease usually needs to be treated and stabilised first. A bridge relies on healthy teeth and gums for support, so we'll assess your oral health carefully before recommending treatment. Healthy gums are also important when considering other options for missing teeth, including dental implants.
Can a tooth still decay underneath a dental crown?
Yes, a natural tooth can still develop decay underneath or around the edge of a dental crown. The crown itself can't decay, but plaque and bacteria can affect the tooth where the crown meets the natural tooth structure. Good home care, routine dental appointments and support from your dental hygienist can all help protect the tooth over time.
Why does my new dental crown feel high when I bite?
A new dental crown can feel high if it contacts the teeth in the opposite jaw sooner than your other teeth do. If the bite feels uneven or uncomfortable, we can check the crown and make any appropriate adjustments. You shouldn't need to change the way you bite or chew to accommodate a new crown.
How soon can I eat after a dental crown is fitted?
How soon you can eat after a dental crown is fitted depends on the materials used and whether your mouth is still numb from local anaesthetic. We'll tell you when it's safe to eat and whether there are any foods you should avoid initially. Following the advice we give you at your dental appointment can help protect the new restoration while everything settles.
Can gum recession affect a dental crown?
Yes, gum recession can affect the appearance and comfort of a dental crown by exposing its edge or more of the natural tooth underneath. This doesn't automatically mean the crown needs replacing, but it's worth having the area checked if you notice sensitivity, a visible margin or a change in your smile. As a fully private dental practice in Hornchurch, we can assess existing crowns and bridges as well as plan new restorative treatment for patients across Hornchurch, Elm Park and Emerson Park.
