What Are Dental Crowns & Bridges?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged, weakened, or discoloured tooth — restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It completely covers the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, protecting what remains underneath.

A dental bridge uses two crowns on either side of a gap to support one or more artificial teeth in between — literally bridging the space left by a missing tooth. The crowns are placed on the natural teeth or implants adjacent to the gap, holding the replacement tooth firmly in position.

Both are permanent restorations — fixed in place and not removed for cleaning. With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or longer.

Types of Crowns We Offer

Most Popular 💎

Zirconia Crowns

Strongest material available. Metal-free, highly aesthetic, completely biocompatible. Ideal for both front and back teeth.

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Emax (Lithium Disilicate)

Ultra-aesthetic pressed ceramic. Superior translucency mimics natural enamel perfectly. Best for front teeth visibility.

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PFM Crowns

Porcelain fused to metal. Strong and cost-effective. A reliable option where maximum strength is needed over aesthetics.

When Do You Need a Crown or Bridge?

Tooth severely damaged by decay
Cracked or fractured tooth
After root canal treatment
Worn down teeth from grinding
Missing tooth — bridge option
Severely discoloured tooth
Broken tooth with little structure left
Implant restoration (crown on implant)
Large failing filling needing replacement
Cosmetic reshaping of tooth

Crown vs Bridge — Which Do You Need?

Feature Dental Crown Dental Bridge
PurposeRestore a damaged toothReplace a missing tooth
Teeth involvedSingle tooth3 or more teeth
Adjacent teeth affectedNoYes — used as anchors
AlternativeLarge filling (if viable)Dental implant
Lifespan10–15+ years10–15 years
CleaningNormal brushing & flossingFloss threader needed under bridge

The Crown & Bridge Process at Smile Hub Clinics

1

Assessment & Treatment Planning

A thorough clinical examination and X-rays assess the tooth structure, bone support, and surrounding teeth. We discuss your options, material choices, and expected outcomes before any preparation begins.

2

Tooth Preparation

The tooth is shaped under local anaesthesia to make space for the crown. The amount removed depends on the crown material — zirconia requires minimal reduction. Precision impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to the dental laboratory.

3

Temporary Crown

A temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent restoration is being fabricated in the laboratory. This typically takes 5–7 working days.

4

Fitting & Adjustment

The permanent crown is tried in before cementing. Shade, shape, fit, and bite are all verified. Any adjustments are made before final placement. Your approval is required before cementation.

5

Permanent Cementation

The crown is permanently bonded using dental cement. Excess material is removed, the bite is rechecked, and the restoration is polished. The result is immediate — a fully restored tooth in a single final appointment.

Why Choose Smile Hub Clinics for Crowns & Bridges?

Prosthodontic Precision — Every Restoration

FCPS Prosthodontist on every case: Prosthodontics is the specialty of dental restoration. Dr. Abdullah's postgraduate FCPS training is specifically in designing crowns, bridges, and full-mouth reconstructions that function correctly and look completely natural.

Premium zirconia and Emax materials: We use internationally recognised laboratory materials — not budget alternatives. The difference in fit, aesthetics, and longevity is significant and immediately visible.

Occlusion-first approach: A crown that looks beautiful but alters your bite will cause pain and fail prematurely. We check and adjust the bite meticulously at every stage — something frequently overlooked in general dental practice.

Full in-house team: If your tooth needs a root canal before crowning, Dr. Athar Parvez (FCPS Endodontist) handles it in the same clinic. No referrals, no fragmented care.

Transparent pricing: Complete cost breakdown provided at consultation — including laboratory fees. No surprises at the final appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, zirconia and Emax crowns typically last 10–15 years or longer. The lifespan depends on oral hygiene, bite habits, and whether you grind your teeth. Patients who grind are advised to wear a night guard to protect their crowns. Regular dental check-ups allow early detection of any issues before they become problems.
Is getting a crown painful?
The preparation procedure is done under local anaesthesia — you will feel pressure but no pain. After the anaesthesia wears off, some sensitivity or mild soreness around the tooth is normal for a few days. This typically resolves on its own. Once the permanent crown is fitted, most patients experience no discomfort at all.
Is a bridge better than an implant for a missing tooth?
Both are excellent options but they work differently. A bridge is faster, less expensive, and doesn't require surgery — but it requires shaping the adjacent healthy teeth and doesn't preserve jawbone. An implant stands independently, preserves bone, and doesn't affect adjacent teeth — but takes longer and costs more. For most patients with healthy adjacent teeth, an implant is the better long-term investment. Dr. Abdullah will advise you based on your specific situation.
Can a crown fall off?
A properly cemented crown should not fall off. If it does, it usually indicates the tooth preparation was insufficient, the cement has degraded, or there is decay developing underneath. If your crown feels loose or comes off, contact us immediately — a crown left off exposes the prepared tooth to damage and sensitivity. Don't try to recement it yourself.
Do I need a crown after every root canal?
For back teeth (molars and premolars) — yes, in almost all cases. These teeth bear heavy chewing forces and are at high risk of fracturing after root canal treatment. A crown protects the tooth and significantly extends its life. For front teeth with sufficient remaining structure, a post and core with a crown is recommended. Dr. Athar and Dr. Abdullah work together to plan the best restoration for every endodontically treated tooth.
What is the cost of a crown in Lahore?
Crown costs vary depending on the material (zirconia, Emax, or PFM), the tooth being crowned, and whether any preparatory treatment is needed. We provide a complete cost breakdown at your free consultation — including laboratory fees. Our pricing is competitive for specialist-level prosthodontic care in Lahore.