Clinical lead: Dr Irshad Baurhoo, GDC 115147. Updated 26 October 2026.
Who it suits
Do I need a crown or a bridge?
A crown can help when a tooth is cracked, worn or heavily filled. A bridge can help when a tooth has gone. Your dentist checks your tooth and your x-ray first.
You have a cracked, broken or worn tooth that needs protecting
A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs cover
You have an old or large filling that is breaking down
You have a gap and want a fixed replacement without a surgical implant
You want to improve the colour or shape of a tooth
From first visit to fitted tooth.
Check and x-ray
We look at the tooth and usually take an up-to-date x-ray to check that the roots and foundations are healthy.
Preparing the tooth
Your dentist shapes the tooth, usually under local anaesthetic, to make room for the crown or bridge.
Impressions and shade
We take impressions, choose a shade to match your other teeth, and fit a temporary cover.
Fitting
Your new crown or bridge is checked for fit and look, then cemented or bonded in place.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
At Hillcross a bonded crown costs £750 and a full ceramic crown costs £795, while bridges cost £750 per unit, or £700 per unit for a Maryland bridge.
Crown, onlay and bridge fees
Bonded crown
£750
Full ceramic crown
£795
Onlay
£750
Post corea support built inside a root-filled tooth
£190
Re-cement a crown
£65
Conventional bridgeper unit
£750
Maryland bridgeper unit
£700
Your dentist confirms the fee for your own treatment, in writing, before anything starts. You always get a treatment plan and quote to take home, and you are welcome to take your time before you book.
Your fee depends on your mouth and the result you want, so your dentist gives you a written plan at your consultation. These are the things that change it most.
Whether you choose a bonded crown or a full ceramic crown.
How many teeth a bridge replaces.
Whether the tooth needs a post core or root canal treatment first.
Whether you need a temporary crown while yours is made.
You see the full fee before you agree to anything, and you are welcome to take the plan home and think it over.
How does a dental bridge work?
A bridge replaces a missing tooth with a false tooth that is held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap.
Bridges are usually made with a precious metal base. Where the bridge shows, white ceramic porcelain is bonded to it so it blends in. We offer a conventional bridge and a Maryland bridge.
A conventional bridge fully covers the teeth on each side with crowns. A Maryland bridge is different. It uses a thin metal framework that bonds to the back of your natural teeth, so the teeth next to the gap are not fully covered by crowns.
Conventional bridge
Maryland bridge
How it is held
Crowns on the teeth either side
Thin metal framework bonded to the teeth either side
Fee at Hillcross
£750 per unit
£700 per unit
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
A gap can put extra strain on the teeth next to it and change the way your teeth bite together.
The teeth beside a gap can lean into the space. That alters how your upper and lower teeth meet. Food can also pack into the gap, which can lead to decay and gum disease. Many people also want to replace a tooth for the way it looks.
A bridge is one option. You can also compare a dental implant, which is fixed into the jaw, or a denture, which is removable. Your dentist talks through all three with you.
Want to know more? The NHS explains dentures and other ways to replace teeth on its website.
Who will look after me?
Dr Irshad Baurhoo, our principal dentist, is interested in minimally invasive cosmetic work and ceramic restorations.
BDS, Barts and The London, 2007. Dr Baurhoo is the principal dentist. His interests include minimally invasive cosmetic work, composite and ceramic restorations, root canal treatment and looking after nervous patients.
Yes. With Tabeo, a full ceramic crown at £795 is £66.25 a month over 12 months at 0% APR, or £24.78 a month over 36 months, subject to status. How dental finance works.
Representative example: borrowing £2,650 over 36 months, 36 monthly payments of £82.59. Total amount payable £2,973.13. Total cost of credit £323.13. Fixed interest rate 7.63% a year. Representative 7.9% APR
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a covering that fits over a damaged tooth to protect it or improve how it looks.
A crown is usually made from porcelain by a skilled dental technician, so it looks like a natural tooth. Crowns can also be made from metal, gold or porcelain fused to metal. The choice of material depends on your budget, the strength needed and where the tooth is in your mouth.
Crowns can hold a cracked tooth together and can support a bridge. They are often fitted over a tooth that has had root canal treatment or an implant. They can also cover a discoloured or worn tooth.
How long does a crown last?
Crowns typically last 5 to 20 years, depending on how well you look after them.
Look after a crown as you would a natural tooth. Brush and clean between your teeth every day. See a hygienist and keep up regular check-ups. The tooth under the crown can still decay, so cleaning matters.
An onlay covers only part of the tooth, so it can be a gentler choice than a crown when enough healthy tooth remains.
An onlay is a partial crown. It covers the biting surface and can replace one or more sides of the tooth. We recommend it as an option instead of a crown, especially if not much tooth is left but the foundations are sound.
An onlay can help if a tooth is heavily broken down, has been root filled or has a large filling. It can also improve worn or broken teeth and old, discoloured fillings. Less of your tooth has to be cut back, so the tooth is left stronger in the long term.
Onlays can be tooth-coloured ceramic, tooth-coloured composite or metal. Your dentist explains the choices and the pros and cons of each for your tooth. They typically last around 10 to 15 years. Onlays are £750.
