Crowns and bridges
A crown covers a damaged tooth to protect what's left of it. A bridge fills a gap by joining a new tooth to the teeth, or implants, on either side. Ours are designed and made down the hall, so the person shaping your tooth can see your face.
- Visits
- 2 to 3 visits
- Time to final teeth
- About 2 to 3 weeks
- Comfort
- Numbing
- Example price
- $1,250 to $1,900 per tooth
- 1. Crowned supporting tooth
- 2. Replacement tooth resting on the gum
- 3. Crowned supporting tooth
- 4. Gum line
Illustration of a three-tooth bridge over a gap, side view. Not a patient.
Who it's for
This may be worth asking about if
- A tooth is cracked, or a large filling keeps breaking
- A back tooth had a root canal and needs protecting
- An old crown has a dark line at the gum or doesn't fit
- A bridge is loose, or the teeth under it hurt
- An implant needs its final crown
In plain words
What crowns and bridges are
We take a digital scan of the tooth instead of a tray of putty in most cases. Wes and our lab team design the crown on screen, then mill it from zirconia or press it in porcelain, and finish it by hand.
For front teeth, we match the shade by daylight and photos, and you see the crown before it's cemented. If it's not right, it goes back to the lab.
A tooth-supported bridge needs the teeth on each side to be cut down for crowns. When those teeth are healthy, an implant is often the kinder option, and we'll say so.
How it works
2 to 3 visits, step by step
Typical timing. Bone, healing and grafting can change it, and your plan gives your own dates.
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Phase 1 Visit 1
Exam and scan
X-rays, a digital scan and photos. We check the tooth can hold a crown.
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Phase 2 Visit 2
Shaping and a temporary
The tooth is shaped, scanned again, and covered with a temporary crown.
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Phase 3 1 to 2 weeks
Made in our lab
Designed, milled or pressed, and finished by hand.
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Phase 4 Visit 3
Fit and adjust
We check fit, shade and bite, then cement it in place.
Is it right for you?
A CT scan and an exam decide
We can't tell from a website whether this treatment fits you, and nobody should. At your consult a specialist looks at your 3D scan, your gums and your health history, then tells you what is and isn't possible.
The consult is $95, includes the scan, and is credited to treatment if you go ahead. A 20-minute video chat first is free.
What we look at
- Enough healthy tooth left to hold a crown
- Healthy gums around the tooth
- For bridges, strong teeth or implants on each side
- Grinding means a night guard to protect the work
Example prices
What crowns and bridges typically cost
Examples in USD, not quotes. Your written price comes after the CT scan and exam.
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Crown on a natural tooth
Zirconia or porcelain
$1,250 to $1,900 per tooth
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Crown on an existing implant
Includes the abutment
$1,600 to $2,400 per tooth
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3-tooth bridge on natural teeth
Two crowns and one replacement tooth
$3,600 to $5,400 per bridge
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3-tooth bridge on 2 implants
Implants included
$9,500 to $14,000 per bridge
Included in the example price
- Digital scans and shade photos
- A temporary crown while the lab works
- The final crown or bridge from our lab
- A remake if the shade or fit isn't right before cementing
What can change the price
- Material: zirconia, porcelain or a layered crown
- A post or build-up if little tooth is left
- Front teeth that need custom shade work
- Bridges on teeth or on implants
Your options
Bridge on teeth, or bridge on implants?
There is no single right answer. This is how they usually compare; your scan may change it.
| Feature | Bridge on teethThis page | Bridge on implants |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy teeth are cut down | Yes | No |
| Needs surgery | No | Yes |
| Time to finish | 2 to 4 weeks | 4 to 7 months |
| Example price | $3,600 to $5,400 | $9,500 to $14,000 |
Risks, said plainly
What can go wrong
None of these are common. All of them are possible, and you should hear about them before you decide, not after.
How long it lasts
Crowns often last 10 to 15 years or more with care. None are permanent.
- Sensitivity
- Common for a few weeks after a tooth is shaped.
- Nerve inflammation
- A small number of crowned teeth later need a root canal.
- Chipping
- Porcelain can chip; zirconia is tougher. Small chips can often be polished.
- Decay at the edge
- The tooth under a crown can still decay where the crown meets the gum. Brushing and checkups matter.
- Bridge failure
- If one supporting tooth fails, the whole bridge may need replacing.
Questions people ask
All questions and the glossaryZirconia or porcelain?
Zirconia is very strong and good for back teeth and grinders. Pressed porcelain can look more lifelike on front teeth. Many people have both. We'll suggest what fits each tooth.
Can you replace just one old crown in the front?
Yes. Matching one front tooth to its neighbors is some of the most careful work our lab does. You'll see it before it's cemented.
Do crowns hurt?
The tooth is numbed while it's shaped. Afterward it may be sensitive to cold for a few weeks.
Often considered alongside
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Single-tooth implants
One tooth missing or failing
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Full-mouth reconstruction
Worn, cracked or failing teeth throughout
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All-on-4 and full-arch implants
Most teeth failing, or tired of a denture
Resources
Things you can do next
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Book a CT scan consult
75 to 90 minutes, $95, credited to treatment if you go ahead.
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See costs and financing
Insurance, paying by phase, and a tool to split a total by month.
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Meet the doctors
Who designs your teeth, who places the implants, and who runs the lab.
Not sure you're a candidate? The scan will tell us.
A CT scan consult takes 75 to 90 minutes. You'll see your own scan, hear every option with example prices, and go home with a plan. No pressure to decide that day.