Dental Crown and Bridge Costs for Golders Green Patients

The main difference in cost comes down to the number of teeth involved. A dental crown is a single cap designed to restore one damaged tooth. A bridge, however, replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth, meaning it involves at least three units (two crowns and a false tooth). A standard porcelain-fused-to-metal crown at our Finchley practice typically starts from £800. A three-unit bridge will naturally cost more, often starting around £2,400, because it's essentially three connected crowns. The final price depends heavily on the material used, with options like zirconia or all-ceramic crowns being more expensive but offering superior aesthetics. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed breakdown for your specific situation.

You should consider a dental crown if you have a single tooth that is severely decayed, cracked, or has undergone root canal treatment, leaving it weak and vulnerable. A crown provides a protective shell, restoring the tooth's shape, strength, and function. A dental bridge is the right solution when you have one or more missing teeth in a row and want a fixed, non removable alternative to a partial denture. It's an excellent option if the teeth next to the gap could also benefit from crowns. For example, a patient from Golders Green recently came to us with a cracked molar that had a large, old filling. A crown was the ideal solution to prevent the tooth from fracturing completely. Another patient chose a bridge to replace a long missing premolar, which also improved their bite and smile.

Your first visit, which lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, is for preparation. For a crown, the dentist will numb the area and reshape the damaged tooth to make space for the new restoration. For a bridge, the two adjacent anchor teeth are prepared in the same way. We then take precise digital scans of your teeth, which are sent to our dental lab. A temporary crown or bridge is fitted to protect your teeth while the permanent one is being made. This process is comfortable, and you won't feel pain.

About two weeks later, you'll return for your final 30 minute fitting appointment. We'll remove the temporary restoration and check the fit, colour, and bite of your permanent crown or bridge. Once you're completely happy with how it looks and feels, we'll bond it securely in place using strong dental cement. We'll give you instructions on how to care for it, and you'll be able to eat and smile with confidence straight away.

There's virtually no recovery time needed after a crown or bridge fitting. You might experience some mild sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, which is normal and will subside. It's best to avoid very hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours to allow the cement to set fully. Long term care is simple: treat your crown or bridge just like your natural teeth. This means brushing twice a day, flossing daily (we'll show you how to floss under a bridge), and attending regular check ups. With good oral hygiene, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. If you experience persistent pain, or if the restoration feels loose, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7) for advice. For out of hours emergencies, please call 111.

While crowns and bridges are excellent solutions, other options may be suitable. For a single missing tooth, a dental implant is the best alternative to a bridge. An implant is a titanium post that replaces the tooth root and doesn't require grinding down healthy neighbouring teeth. Implants start from £2,500 at our practice and are a longer term investment. For a damaged tooth, a large filling or an onlay (a partial crown) might be possible if the tooth structure is strong enough. For multiple missing teeth, a removable partial denture is a more budget friendly, non invasive option, though it's less stable than a fixed bridge. We'll discuss all these choices with you to find what's best for your dental health and budget.

To make an informed choice, here are some key questions to ask any provider, whether it's us or another practice serving the Golders Green area. Ask what material they recommend for your specific tooth (for example porcelain or zirconia) and why. You should also get a full cost breakdown, ensuring it includes all appointments, temporary fittings, and the final restoration. Ask about the expected lifespan of the restoration with proper care. It's also wise to ask what guarantee the dental lab provides on the work and to see before and after photos of similar cases they have completed. Finally, confirm if they accept your private dental insurance, like Denplan or Cigna.