Complete Guide to Dental Crowns and Bridges: Everything You Need to Know
What are dental crowns and bridges, when do you need them, what materials are available, and what is the procedure? A complete guide from our Anandbagh clinic.
Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common restorative treatments in dentistry. If your dentist has recommended one — or if you have a damaged or missing tooth — this guide explains everything clearly.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown (also called a cap) is a custom-made cover that fits over the entire visible surface of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are needed after root canal treatment, when a tooth is severely cracked or broken, when decay is too extensive for a filling, to protect a weak tooth from fracturing, and as the visible component of a dental implant.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It consists of false teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap (abutment teeth).
Crown Materials
Zirconia: Current gold standard for most crowns. Extremely strong, completely metal-free, translucent enough to mimic natural enamel convincingly. We recommend zirconia for most patients.
E-max (Lithium Disilicate): Excellent for front teeth where aesthetics are the priority. Highly translucent and lifelike.
PFM (Porcelain Fused to Metal): Strong and affordable. The metal margin can show as a dark line at the gum line over time as gums recede. A sound budget option, particularly for back teeth.
The Crown Procedure
First visit: Assessment and digital scan, tooth prepared under local anaesthesia, impression taken, temporary crown placed.
Lab fabrication: 7–14 days using CAD/CAM technology.
Second visit: Permanent crown checked for fit and colour, then cemented in place.
How Long Do They Last?
Zirconia and E-max crowns: 15–25 years or more. PFM crowns: 10–15 years. Traditional bridges: 10–15 years. Implant-supported bridges: longer.
Cost in Hyderabad
| Type | Approx. Cost per Crown | |---|---| | PFM crown | ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 | | Zirconia crown | ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 | | E-max ceramic crown | ₹8,000 – ₹18,000 | | 3-unit traditional bridge | ₹15,000 – ₹45,000 |
If you have a damaged tooth or a gap that needs filling, contact Dr. Sri Sushma Multispeciality Dental Clinic in Anandbagh on +91 79958 15454 to book your consultation.
Open 9AM–10PM, 365 days a year. Walk in or book instantly — same-day appointments available.