Crowns and bridges
Sometimes, a damaged tooth cannot be repaired with a filling. In this case, a crown or bridge offers a lasting solution. These tooth replacements are aesthetically pleasing while preserving functionality.
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Importance of properly functioning teeth
A crown or bridge does more than just restore your smile. Properly functioning teeth help with chewing, speaking and digestion. Problems such as inflamed gums or ill-fitting crowns can upset the balance of the oral microbiome. This can affect your overall health, including your immune system.
Composite or cement fillings
What is a crown?
A crown is a custom-made porcelain cap that is placed over a damaged tooth. We opt for crowns when the tooth is damaged to the point where a filling is no longer sufficient. A crown looks like a real tooth and is colour-matched to the rest of your teeth. This will allow for a more natural result.
Is there no tooth left? Then a bridge can offer a solution. We may place one first after which a crown can be firmly attached. This is how we restore the full functionality of a real tooth.
New crown in just one visit. Did you know that thanks to our CEREC technology, we can place a new crown in as little as one visit?
What is a bridge?
Are several teeth missing? Then a bridge is often the best choice. A bridge consists of several connected crowns. In the middle of the bridge is a dummy that replaces the missing teeth.
The bridge is attached to the adjacent teeth or implants on either side of the gap. To ensure your bridge lasts and looks natural, we use high-quality materials such as dental porcelain and zirconium.
Treatment and differences
Below, you can see what the treatment for a crown or bridge looks like and what the differences are.
| Placing a crown | Placing a bridge | |
| Appointments | With CEREC, just one. Two for a conventional crown. | Two to three |
| Appointment 1 | The damaged tooth is prepared. The dentist grinds it into the correct shape for the crown to fit over it. After this, we will make a mould of the tooth which is used to customise the crown. | The teeth or molars on either side of the missing tooth/teeth are ground to serve as anchors for the bridge. After this, we will make an impression of your teeth which is used to customise the bridge. |
| Appointment 2 | The crown is placed and secured with dental adhesive. The dentist checks that the crown fits properly and looks natural. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your crown. | The dentist checks that the bridge fits properly and makes minor adjustments where necessary. When the bridge fits perfectly, it is secured with dental adhesive. You will also be instructed on how to properly care for your bridge. |
| Appointment 3 | Not applicable. | Occasionally, a third appointment is needed for an additional checkup or adjustment. |
Costs and reimbursement
The costs of a crown or bridge depend on the treatment. Please keep in mind that these treatments are usually not covered by your basic insurance. Supplementary dental insurance may reimburse (part of) the costs. Please check this with your health insurer. The table below shows the costs for the most common crown and bridge treatments:
| Code | Treatment | Rates |
| R08 | Single-surface composite inlay* | € 91,04 |
| R09 | Two-surface composite inlay* | € 174,49 |
| R10 | Three-surface composite inlay* | € 227,59 |
Frequently asked questions
Is placing a crown or bridge painful?
No, the treatment is done with a local anaesthetic and is therefore virtually painless.
What is the lifespan of a crown or bridge?
On average, crowns and bridges last a long time, ranging from around 10 to 20 years. However, this does depend on several factors such as proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Would you like to schedule a treatment or do you need personal advice?
Would you like to know if a crown or bridge is suitable for you? Please call us at +31 20 22 46 368 or fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page to schedule a consultation. Your dentist will review and assess your teeth and advise on suitable treatment options.