When you might need a crown
- A tooth weakened by decay or a large filling
- A cracked, broken or worn-down tooth
- A tooth that has had root canal treatment
- A badly stained tooth that whitening can't fix
- To hold a bridge in place, or to cover a dental implant
Crown materials
- Metal, such as gold alloy: the strongest and longest-lasting, but visible
- Porcelain fused to metal: strong and tooth-coloured, though the porcelain can chip
- All-ceramic or zirconia: the most natural look and suitable for metal allergies, but usually costs more
- Resin: the cheapest, but more fragile, lasting about 3 to 5 years
We'll suggest the material that suits where the tooth is and how much force it takes when you bite.
How our dentists manage it
How we manage your crowns and bridges
Decide whether you need one
We only suggest a crown when a filling isn't enough to protect the tooth. If a smaller repair will do, we tell you.
Match the material to the tooth
Dr Hafsa explains which materials suit the tooth's position and your bite, and what each costs.
Prepare and protect
The tooth is shaped under local anaesthetic, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown protects it while yours is made.
Check the fit before fixing it
At the second visit the crown is checked for fit, shape, colour and bite before it's cemented. If it feels off later, come back and we'll adjust it.
How a crown is fitted
- 01First visit: the tooth is numbed and shaped, and built up with filling material if needed.
- 02An impression or digital scan is taken and sent to the lab.
- 03A temporary crown protects the tooth for 2 to 3 weeks.
- 04Second visit: the temporary is removed, the new crown is checked for fit, shape and colour, then cemented in place.
Bridges
A bridge usually fills a gap of one to four missing teeth in a row. The most common type has a crown on the tooth at each side of the gap, with the false tooth in between. Other types are fixed on one side only (cantilever), or bonded to the back of the neighbouring teeth with metal wings (Maryland, best for front teeth). Some are supported by implants.
A traditional bridge takes two visits, a few weeks apart. The trade-off is that the healthy teeth either side have to be reshaped, which can't be undone. An implant avoids that and lasts much longer, but takes months of healing.
Looking after crowns and bridges
Crowns and bridges usually last 5 to 15 years, and well looked-after crowns can last much longer.
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily
- Clean under a bridge with floss threaders or small interdental brushes
- Don't chew ice, hard nuts or sticky sweets
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Some sensitivity for the first couple of weeks is normal. A crown shouldn't hurt, so tell us if it does, or if it feels loose or has a sharp edge.
Who treats you
Crowns and Bridges at Dental Plus
Several treatments here are led by a consultant in their own specialty. A prosthodontist does crowns and bridges, an endodontist does root canals, and orthodontists do braces.
Crowns and bridges at Dental Plus are done by Dr Hafsa, our consultant prosthodontist. Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that restores damaged teeth and replaces missing ones.
If you need a crown after root canal treatment, it is part of your treatment plan here, so there is no need to go elsewhere.
- Consultant ProsthodontistDr HafsaBDS, FCPSCrowns, bridges, veneers and dentures for teeth that are damaged or missing.
The dentists are very professional and highly qualified and they are using the modern tools and dental treatment techniques.”Read more Dental Plus patient reviews
Common questions about crowns and bridges
How long does a crown last?
On average 5 to 15 years, and longer with good care: brushing, cleaning between the teeth and regular check-ups.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed while it's prepared. Afterwards some sensitivity to hot and cold for a couple of weeks is normal.
Should I get a bridge or an implant?
A bridge is quicker but means reshaping the teeth either side of the gap. An implant leaves them alone and lasts longer, but needs healthy bone and months of healing.
Which crown material is best?
It depends on the tooth. Metal is the strongest, all-ceramic looks the most natural, and porcelain fused to metal is a balance of the two. We recommend one for your tooth.
How do I clean under a bridge?
Use floss threaders or small interdental brushes every day, along with normal brushing.
Related treatments
- Root Canal TreatmentTreating an infected nerve so you can keep the tooth.
- Dental ImplantsA fixed replacement for a missing tooth, anchored in the jawbone.
- DenturesComplete and partial dentures, made to fit and adjusted until comfortable.
- Veneers & BondingFixing chips, gaps, stains and shape with bonding or veneers.
How this guide was made
Dental Plus, a family dental clinic in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, publishes this guide. It was drafted with the help of AI writing tools. Every medical statement was then checked against the sources below, last on 6 October 2026. What we say about our own clinic, our dentists and how we treat patients comes from the clinic. Patient quotes are copied word for word from Google reviews.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, book an examination.