What are crowns and bridges?
A dental crown covers a prepared tooth when this is clinically appropriate. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using suitable supporting structures.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers a prepared tooth to restore aspects of shape and function when clinically appropriate.
A dental crown is a restoration that covers a prepared tooth to restore aspects of shape and function when appropriate. Suitability depends on how much natural tooth remains, decay or cracks, root condition, surrounding tissues, bite and other findings. A large filling or root canal treatment does not automatically mean a crown is required.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth and relies on suitable supporting structures. Designs vary, so a bridge does not always use exactly two natural teeth.
Bridge designs differ and do not always use exactly two natural teeth. The supporting teeth, gums, bone, gap, bite and cleaning possibilities influence whether a bridge is appropriate.
When might a crown or bridge be suitable?
Assessment can be useful for substantial tooth damage, a large existing restoration, fracture, wear, a root-treated tooth, one or more missing teeth, or an existing crown or bridge that feels loose, damaged or uncomfortable. Symptoms and visible damage do not determine treatment by themselves.
Individual examination is required because neither restoration is suitable for every tooth or gap.
A large restoration, fracture, wear or previous root canal treatment can be reasons for assessment, but none automatically means a crown is required.
For an implant-based option, discuss the need for a separate assessment and appropriate care route with the practice.
The dentist may consider how much natural tooth remains, decay, cracks, roots and surrounding bone where relevant, gums, oral hygiene, existing restorations, supporting teeth, gap dimensions, bite, functional load, teeth grinding or jaw clenching and patient preferences. X-rays are used only when the dentist has a clinical reason to use them.
Alternatives depend on the findings. General options can include monitoring, a filling or repair made outside the mouth, such as an inlay, onlay or crown (an indirect restoration), root canal treatment before final restoration, extraction, a removable denture, an implant-based option or no treatment where clinically acceptable. None is automatically suitable. Implant-based treatment requires a separate assessment; discuss the appropriate care route with the practice.
Assessment determines whether a crown, bridge, another option or no treatment is appropriate to discuss.
Assessment does not guarantee suitability, a particular workflow or a specific result.
- Assessment of how much natural tooth remains
- Supporting teeth and tissues considered
- Alternatives and limitations discussed
How does treatment work?
At the consultation, we discuss findings, alternatives, the proposed material, tooth preparation and costs. The crown or bridge is then made to measure and placed. Your treatment plan explains the selected method and appointment schedule.
You can ask questions in English at every stage.
Tooth preparation, sensitivity and possible risks
Conventional crown and bridge treatment can require removal of tooth structure. Removed tooth structure does not grow back. The amount of preparation depends on the restoration, supporting tooth and clinical situation, and should be discussed before treatment is agreed.
Experiences vary, and local anaesthesia may be considered according to the procedure and patient. Temporary sensitivity or an altered bite sensation can occur. Other possible considerations include decay at a margin, gum irritation, chipping, fracture, loosening, loss of cement, supporting-tooth damage and later root canal treatment.
Conventional crown or bridge treatment can require tooth preparation to create space and retention. This removes tooth structure, which does not grow back. The amount depends on the restoration and clinical situation. The dentist should explain the proposed preparation, alternatives and implications before treatment is agreed.
Experience and comfort vary by patient and procedure. Local anaesthesia may be considered according to the treatment and patient. Temporary sensitivity or an altered bite sensation can occur. Contact the practice if pain is severe, worsening or persistent, or if swelling or another concerning symptom develops.
Why supporting teeth matter for a bridge
A bridge depends on its supporting structures. Decay, fracture, gum or bone problems, or failure of a supporting tooth can affect the entire restoration. If a supporting tooth cannot be maintained, adjustment, repair or replacement of the bridge may not be sufficient.
Aftercare, maintenance and lifespan
We assess existing crowns and bridges at routine dental check-ups and when symptoms arise.
Crowns and bridges have no fixed lifespan or automatic replacement interval. Longevity depends on the treated or supporting teeth, gums and bone, material, design, bite, grinding or clenching, hygiene, decay, habits, maintenance and accidental damage. Clean crown margins and beneath bridge components according to individual instructions.
Crowns and bridges have no fixed or guaranteed lifespan. Longevity depends on the treated or supporting teeth, gums and bone, restoration material and design, bite, grinding or clenching, oral hygiene, decay, habits, maintenance and accidental damage. Replacement decisions follow current findings rather than a predetermined age.
Costs and insurance coverage
The total can depend on a crown or bridge, number of units, supporting teeth, preliminary care, selected material, technical work, X-rays needed for your assessment or treatment and additional procedures. The NZa sets maximum tariffs for dental procedures; the treatment total depends on the procedures required, with material or technical costs listed separately where applicable. Adult reimbursement depends on supplementary insurance and policy conditions, so confirm current coverage with your insurer.
We explain the diagnosis, available options and expected costs before treatment.
Ask about your treatment costs
For an explanation of estimates and invoices, see our dental tariffs and payment information.
- Costs based on the proposed treatment
When should you contact the practice?
Arrange assessment for looseness, fracture, chipping, persistent pain, swelling, worsening sensitivity, an altered or uncomfortable bite, cleaning difficulty, unpleasant taste or suspected decay. Examination determines whether monitoring, adjustment, repair, recementation, replacement or another treatment is appropriate; no single solution is guaranteed.