Crowns & Bridges
Teeth that last, year after year
If you have a tooth that is weakened, damaged, or missing, crowns and bridges offer a durable, long-term solution to restore both function and aesthetics.
A tooth that has become weak, a tooth that has partially broken away, or a tooth that's missing altogether — a crown or bridge restores both the function and the look of a natural tooth. At Nüvodent, we work with materials that not only look natural but also last for decades when properly cared for.
Not a temporary fix. No visible "dental work". Just a tooth that does what a tooth should do — fifteen years from now too.
Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that help repair or replace teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function. A dental crown (often called a “cap”) is like a protective cover that encases a damaged tooth to strengthen it and improve its shape or color.
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the natural teeth or implants on either side. At Nuvodent, we provide high-quality crowns and bridges that are custom-crafted to look natural and fit comfortably, so you can bite, speak, and smile with confidence.
Materials we use
Full ceramic (zirconia): maximum strength and a natural appearance. Our standard choice in most cases. Metal-free, so no grey rim at the gum line over the years.
Lithium disilicate (e.max): for front teeth where aesthetics are the priority. Light translucency very close to natural teeth.
Porcelain fused to metal: still an option in specific cases, but we generally recommend ceramic for better long-term results.
We always discuss which material best suits your specific situation — visible area versus back of the mouth, budget, medical context.
Lifespan and maintenance
A well-placed crown lasts on average 15 to 20 years; some patients get more. Lifespan depends on:
The quality of the material and the placement
Your oral hygiene — a crown can't develop a cavity, but the tooth underneath and the gum can
Chewing habits (grinding is the biggest enemy; for bruxism, we recommend a night guard)
Regular check-ups where we inspect the crown and surrounding tissue
Bridges have a similar lifespan, with extra attention to cleaning under the bridge element — we'll show you techniques and provide the tools for this.
What to expect
How we work
Placing a crown or bridge usually takes two appointments, two to three weeks apart.
1. First appointment — preparation and digital impression
We numb the tooth and prepare it by shaving away a thin layer — just enough to make room for the crown. Then we take a digital 3D scan of your teeth. No more impression paste in the mouth: the scanner glides comfortably around your teeth and generates a perfect digital model.
You go home with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until the final one is ready.
2. Design in the lab
The digital model goes to our dental laboratory. There, a specialist designs your crown or bridge to measure — paying attention to shape, colour and how it fits with your other teeth. We work with ceramic materials (zirconia or lithium disilicate) that look natural and last for many years.
3. Second appointment — final placement
We fit the crown or bridge, check your bite, and cement the final piece in place. This appointment takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You leave with a tooth that looks, feels and works like your own.
Common treatments
When is a crown or bridge the right choice?
A crown
A crown is a protective cap placed over an existing tooth. We recommend one when:
A tooth is so damaged (by a large cavity, a crack, or an old large filling) that a regular filling is no longer enough
A tooth has had a root canal treatment and needs protection against fracture
A tooth needs aesthetic correction (discolouration, shape irregularity, damage)
An implant is being finished — these always receive a crown on top
A bridge
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by "anchoring" artificial teeth to the healthy teeth on either side. Appropriate when:
You are missing one or a few teeth in a row
The neighbouring teeth are healthy enough to serve as anchors
You're looking for an alternative to an implant (for medical or cost reasons, for example)
An implant is often the first choice for missing teeth (see our page on implants), but a bridge remains an excellent alternative in certain situations. We discuss honestly which option suits you best.
Why choose Nüvodent?
Why Nüvodent for crown and bridge work
Fully digital workflow. 3D scans instead of impression trays. More precise fit, less discomfort, faster results.
High-quality materials. We work as standard with metal-free ceramic from reputable laboratories.
Aesthetic attention. For visible teeth, we take extra time on colour matching and fit — your smile has to feel right.
One practice for everything. Need a root canal or implant first? That happens with us, handled by a colleague who already knows your file.
Transparent quotes. In advance, you know the total cost including material and all appointments.
Costs and reimbursement
A crown is not a minor investment. The price depends on the material, the position in the mouth, and the complexity. A bridge costs proportionally more because there are multiple elements.
Reimbursement by the health insurance fund (mutualiteit) is limited for crowns and bridges in adults — this largely falls outside basic coverage. Many supplementary dental insurances and hospitalisation policies with dental coverage do cover part of the cost. Check this in advance with your insurer.
At your consultation, we provide a written quote for your specific situation, including all appointments. Payment can be made in instalments.
Your Smile. Your Story.
We always are welcoming new patients.
Our multidisciplinary team is ready for every aspect of your oral health.