Dental Crowns & Bridges in Archway, N19
Crowns and bridges are time-tested restorations that repair severely damaged teeth and replace missing ones with a fixed, long-lasting solution. At Blue Light Dental & Aesthetic Clinic, we use high-quality Emax porcelain and ceramic materials that replicate the look and feel of natural teeth with exceptional accuracy.
When do you need a crown?
A dental crown (sometimes called a cap) is recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling alone — for example after root canal treatment, a large fracture, or extensive decay. The crown fits over the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, shape and appearance.
When is a bridge used?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth (pontic) to the natural teeth on either side. Bridges are a fixed alternative to removable dentures and do not require surgery. However, they do require the adjacent teeth to be prepared. For patients who prefer to preserve those teeth, dental implants may be the better option — we’ll discuss both and help you decide.
Benefits of crowns and bridges
- Restore full chewing and speaking function
- Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting into the gap
- Natural-looking high-quality ceramic materials
- Fixed and permanent — no removal required
- Long-lasting with good care and regular check-ups
Frequently asked questions
How long do crowns last? Porcelain crowns typically last 10–15 years or longer, depending on oral hygiene, diet and habits such as grinding.
Is a crown painful to have fitted? No. The tooth is numbed before any preparation is carried out. We also provide a temporary crown to wear between appointments while your permanent restoration is being made.
Book a consultation or call 020 8340 0666.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
A well-fitted porcelain or zirconia crown typically lasts ten to fifteen years, often longer with good home care. The two factors that decide longevity are the underlying tooth (how much healthy tooth is left to support the crown) and your bite — patients who clench or grind benefit from a custom night guard to protect the work. Bridges follow a similar timeline; the supporting teeth at either end determine lifespan more than the bridge itself.
What to expect at the fitting appointment
A crown or bridge is usually completed across two visits. At the first appointment we numb the tooth, prepare it to make space for the new restoration, take a digital scan or impression, and fit a temporary while the lab makes your permanent crown or bridge. The second appointment, two to three weeks later, is for the fit — we check the bite, the colour match, the contact with neighbouring teeth, and bond the final restoration in place.
More questions we get asked
Will it look like my natural tooth? Yes. We use modern all-ceramic materials (Emax for front teeth, zirconia for back teeth) that mimic the translucency and shade of natural enamel. The shade is matched at the appointment using a guide held against your existing teeth.
Can I eat normally with a temporary crown? Yes, but go gently. Avoid very sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum) and try to chew on the opposite side until the permanent restoration is fitted.
What if I have several missing teeth? Bridges work well for one to three missing teeth in a row when the supporting teeth are healthy. For larger gaps or where the supporting teeth are weak, dental implants are usually the better long-term answer — we will walk you through both options.
About our Archway practice
Crown and bridge work at Blue Light Dental is led by Dr Sanyukta Kothari (GDC 283340) and the wider clinical team. The lab we use produces work to a high cosmetic standard — most patients say no one notices the new tooth, which is exactly the result we are aiming for.