Dental Crowns & Bridges in Thames Ditton

Dental crowns typically last between 10 and 15 years with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, though many crowns remain in excellent condition beyond this. Longevity depends on the material used, the position of the crowned tooth, and habits such as grinding (bruxism).

If you grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom-made night guard significantly extends the life of crowns and other restorations. Our team can discuss this at your appointment.

Several materials are available, each with different properties. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most natural-looking and are the most commonly chosen for front teeth. Zirconia crowns offer excellent durability alongside good aesthetics and are often preferred for back teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide strength but may show a grey line at the gum margin over time. Gold crowns, though less commonly requested for aesthetic reasons, remain very durable for molar positions.

Dr Bravis will recommend the most appropriate material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.

A dental crown typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared — the outer surface is reduced to create space for the crown — and impressions or digital scans are taken. A temporary crown protects the tooth whilst the permanent crown is crafted in a dental laboratory. At the second appointment, usually two to three weeks later, the permanent crown is checked for fit and appearance, then bonded in place.

We will always ensure the temporary crown is comfortable and functional so you are not inconvenienced between visits.

A dental bridge is used to replace one or two missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap — these anchoring teeth are called abutments. The bridge is fixed in place and does not come out like a denture.

A crown, by contrast, restores a single existing tooth rather than replacing a missing one. If you are missing a tooth and want a free-standing replacement that does not involve the neighbouring teeth, a dental implant is typically the preferred alternative to a bridge.

If the tooth is still present but heavily damaged, a crown is used to restore it. If the tooth is missing entirely, the choice is usually between a bridge (which uses crowns on adjacent teeth as anchors) and a dental implant (a titanium post placed in the jawbone, topped with a crown).

Implants are generally considered the gold standard for replacing a single missing tooth because they preserve jawbone, do not involve adjacent teeth, and function like a natural root. Bridges are a faster solution and may be more appropriate where bone volume is insufficient for an implant. The right choice depends on your bone health, the condition of neighbouring teeth, and your personal priorities — all of which are assessed at consultation.

A porcelain veneer covers only the front-facing surface of a tooth and requires minimal tooth preparation. It is primarily a cosmetic restoration for teeth that are structurally sound but discoloured, chipped, or slightly irregular in shape.

A crown covers the entire tooth — all surfaces from the gum upwards — and involves more tooth preparation. Crowns are chosen when the tooth has significant structural damage, has been root-canal treated, or requires 360-degree protection. Where a tooth is healthy but cosmetically imperfect, a veneer is usually the more conservative choice.

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during either appointment. It is normal to experience some sensitivity or mild soreness around the prepared tooth for a few days after the first appointment, and occasionally after fitting — this typically settles quickly.

If discomfort persists or you notice the bite feels uneven after the crown is placed, contact us promptly so the fit can be adjusted. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, we offer a supportive approach — see our page for nervous patients.

Yes — in fact, a crown is strongly recommended following root canal treatment on a back tooth (molar or premolar). Root-canal treated teeth lose moisture over time and become more brittle, making them significantly more vulnerable to fracture. A crown protects the tooth and helps ensure the root canal treatment remains effective long term.

Dr Bravis advises that timing matters: placing the crown promptly after root canal treatment — rather than leaving the tooth under a temporary restoration for an extended period — significantly reduces the risk of the tooth splitting before the crown is fitted. Front teeth that have been root-canal treated may sometimes be managed with a less extensive restoration, depending on how much natural tooth structure remains.

Dental crowns start from £700 at Thames Dental & Skin. The final cost depends on the material selected and the complexity of the case. 0% finance is available, allowing you to spread the cost over a set period without interest charges.

A full treatment plan with itemised costs will be provided at your consultation — there are no hidden charges.

Yes — Thames Dental & Skin is based in Thames Ditton and provides dental crown and bridge treatment for patients from across the surrounding area, including Kingston upon Thames, Esher, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, and Long Ditton. We are pleased to accept new patients and can usually offer an initial consultation within a short timeframe.