Dental Bridges & Crowns

In a nutshell, a dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces 3 or more teeth, while a dental crown restores just 1 tooth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom made “cap” for your tooth that covers and protects it from further damage when you bite down and chew on your tooth. Dental crowns in HK are used to improve the function and appearance of your teeth and can be made with a wide range of materials. Dental crowns in Hong Kong are custom made, meaning that the tooth’s shape, size and overall appearance can be restored and fixed to your liking within the limits of functional ability. 

When Are Dental Crowns in HK Used?

Dental crowns in Hong Kong are generally recommended by specialists when you have a badly broken tooth, cracked and fractured teeth or decayed teeth. The most common recommendation for having a dental crown would be upon completion of a root canal since your tooth tends to be weaker on its own, especially for your back teeth such as the premolar and molar teeth. 

The way a dental crown in HK is structured is that it fits over your natural tooth structure after the tooth’s outer layer has been cut away. By creating space and cutting the outer layer away, dental crowns in Hong Kong allow us to cover the tooth with a much stronger material. Materials used for dental crowns in HK may include tooth-colored ones such as porcelain or zirconia. Teeth needing more strength and support may require gold dental crowns or a combination of porcelain and metal material. 

Dental crowns in HK can be done by a general surgery, as well as a specialist called a prosthodontist. Here at Dr. Tong’s, we aim for aesthetic excellence and we pride ourselves in providing the best dental crowns possible. Please do not hesitate to book in for an appointment or consultation regarding a dental crown in HK with us!

Our Two-Appointment Procedure for Dental Crowns in Hong Kong

Getting a dental crown in HK usually requires two visits to complete, and we always suggest having a thorough examination including x-rays before considering placement.

Your 1st Visit:


In the first appointment, we will check the shade of your tooth as well as numb your tooth and gums to ensure the dental crown procedure is as comfortable as possible (in some cases, this is not necessary if the root canal has been completed prior to the dental crown Hong Kong procedure). Then the tooth is cut and shaped to ensure there is enough space for the new crown or “cap” to fit over the tooth. Next, an impression is taken using a jaw shaped tray filled with impression material and will be left in the mouth for 3-5 minutes to wait for it to set. Once we have captured and made a copy of exactly what your prepared tooth looks like after being cut back, we can send it to the lab for them to construct your custom-made dental crown in Hong Kong.

Another option for creating a copy of your tooth for dental crown HK construction, is to use a digital scanner which scans your tooth three-dimensionally and from there we can send the scan directly to the lab, or we can construct the dental crown at our surgery as well. Currently we do not offer this treatment, however in the near future we plan to incorporate this technology as an option for patients who have difficulty with traditional impression taking methods.

After the impression, we will make you a temporary dental crown in Hong Kong to fit over the cut back tooth. This material is made of plastic and is not designed to last very long. Temporary cement material is used to glue the temporary dental crown in place. It is not uncommon for the temporary crown to come off, and if so, call us to have it re-glued.

Your 2nd Visit:


Once the lab has constructed the dental crown in HK and sent it back to us (which usually takes around 7-14 days), we will give you a ring to arrange for final try-in and final cementation of the crown.

Before final cementation, we will confirm that the tooth shape and tooth colour and biting is correct. Once the tooth is glued in properly, we may be able to make minor adjustments as well before doing a final polish to make things nice and smooth. It may take a while for your teeth and tongue to adapt to the new dental crown and this is normal.

Some surgeries may offer same-day dental crowns in Hong Kong, which means you can have the tooth crown made and inserted/cemented in one appointment. But here at Dr. Tong’s, we believe that the two-appointment method ensures the best results therefore as of yet we do not provide this type of same-day service.

Why Should You Consider a Dental Crown HK Treatment?

Dental crowns in Hong Kong are the go-to treatment option if you want to extend the life of a tooth. You may consider a dental crown if we need to help you regain functionality of a tooth due to severe tooth damage or if you want an aesthetic makeover to create a better smile.

You should however, be careful when you go to a specialist and they recommend multiple crowns in one go. Here at Dr. Tong’s, we like to go for a holistic approach and depending on your health goals, we make a treatment plan. If you have been told by someone that you need many dental crowns, it would be a good idea to pay us a visit for a second opinion. 

Some of the most common cases for when you should consider getting a dental crown in Hong Kong would include:

  • If you have a chipped, broken or worn-down tooth
  • A weakened tooth that previously had a root canal
  • Teeth that need to support a dental bridge
  • A tooth that has large cracks needing protection
  • To cover a dental implant
  • To reshape and mask discoloured teeth 

Advantages of Dental Crown Procedure

A dental crown in HK is the best treatment option because of many reasons. This is because:

  1. They can prevent further damage of the tooth, for example if your tooth has visible cracks and fracture lines running throughout the tooth, a dental crown Hong Kong treatment can prevent these cracks from expanding and extending further into the tooth which can potentially cause pain if the crack tracks nearer and nearer towards the nerves or pulp chamber. 
  2. Dental crowns in HK can cover and reinforce your broken tooth, depending on how much the tooth is broken down, a simple filling may not be sufficient to restore your tooth’s function. 
  3. Dental crowns can help protect against cavities; by covering the tooth cracks and cavities with a covering like a dental crown, the tooth is protected against germs and bacteria that can get into the tooth.
  4. Dental crowns HK procedures can improve your smile by correcting the color and shape of certain teeth.
  5. Dental crowns in Hong Kong can last longer than conventional fillings, ranging from 10-15 years, and if taken care of properly can even last longer.

Are There Any Disadvantages to Dental Crowns?

Like all things, dental crowns also have their set of drawbacks which you should be aware of before considering it for yourself. These include:

Dental crowns can cause sensitivity if the tooth has not been treated with a root canal. This is because a big amount of tooth structure may need to be removed depending on the type of material to be used for making the dental crown in Hong Kong.

Some dental crown HK patients may experience discomfort initially and once the glue or tooth has settled after treatment, discomfort usually subsides. There may be extra sensitivity to hot and cold foods for a few weeks or months but if the sensitivity develops into pain, then you must come back for a check-up. To manage the sensitivity, a toothpaste (e.g. Sensodyne) would be able to soothe the tooth and help with this problem.

Dental crowns in Hong Kong can usually last up to 10-15 years, but they can also come loose or chip away over time. Once a dental crown feels loose or unstable when you bite, it may indicate that glue has frayed and a gap has formed between your tooth and the crown. With the gap formation, bacteria or food can seep in and cause decay. Therefore, if you feel like your dental crown has come loose, book an appointment with us as soon as possible for a check-up and you may need to re-cement a dental crown in HK, or even construct a new one entirely.
As we said before, depending on the dental crown material, certain ones may require more tooth reduction or “cutting away” of the tooth than others. Overall, this allows for a stronger dental crown and may be necessary for longer term benefits.

Available Types of Dental Crowns in Hong Kong

Dental crowns can be made out of a variety of materials. Depending on your oral health and needs as well as your own personal preference, the “right one” for you may vary.

It is very important to discuss your wants and goals with Dr. Tong, so that we can help make the right decision with you. Dr. Tong will tailor your treatment plan and factor in your bite dynamic or occlusion, daily oral habits, current condition, reason for dental crown and location of it to help choose the most suitable dental crown HK type for you. 

Metal / Gold Dental Crowns:


First, there are the metal or gold dental crowns in HK. Metal crowns can be made out of a combination of gold, palladium, nickel and chromium. They are most resistant to grinding or wearing forces and require the least amount of tooth removal due to the strong and malleable nature of metals. If you are one that prioritises longevity and functionality of your teeth, then the amazing durability of gold will be your number one choice. One of the disadvantages of metal dental crowns in Hong Kong is its metal colour, therefore it is the best and preferred material to be used for broken down and cracked molar teeth.

PBM Dental Crowns:


Porcelain bonded to metal (PBM) dental crowns in Hong Kong are a combination material in which the surface of the dental crown is layered with porcelain to match your natural tooth structure as well as the colour, and the underlying metal cap offers the strength component desired in metal dental crowns.

The combination of porcelain and metal means that we need to cut away more of your tooth to accommodate both layers. Another con of this option for dental crowns in HK is that the porcelain can potentially chip off or break over time. Other than these cons, PBM dental crowns are a great choice to protect your tooth which combines strength with aesthetics.

E-Max Dental Crowns:


E-max dental crowns in HK are an all-ceramic crown which provides the most aesthetic properties along with longer lasting properties. This is a super attractive option for front teeth that need dental crowns or veneer work as it combines strength and durability.

The material it is made out of is called lithium disilicate which is a glass ceramic, hence giving it the translucent, metameric and opalescent results and natural life-like appearance we all desire.

Resin Dental Crowns:


Resin dental crowns in HK are a type of crown that uses similar material to fillings. This type of dental crown in Hong Kong is more affordable but they can wear away and break much faster than the alternative options. It is not recommended to have this type of dental crown if you are looking for a more permanent fix.

Ceramic / Porcelain Dental Crowns:


The last type of available dental crown in Hong Kong is ceramic or porcelain crowns. These dental crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing and can mimic the natural appearance of your teeth by using its translucent and shade matching properties to precisely imitate the different layers of your teeth i.e. enamel, dentine.

These dental crowns in HK are preferred for front teeth or teeth that are visible when you smile. The material is not as durable as gold or PBM dental crowns and may be more prone to cracking and breaking (especially if you are a known grinder), but they offer their own set of advantages and will only be offered with proper analysis and discussion.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge, also known as a fixed bridge or fixed dental prosthesis, is a form of treatment that allows us to replace one or a few missing teeth.

A dental bridge HK treatment involves cutting back and placing a dental crown on the teeth in front and back of the tooth that is missing, then replacing the missing tooth with a fake tooth. It is important that the two teeth used to support the dental bridge are nice and healthy, otherwise the dental bridge may fail. As the name suggests, the dental bridge in Hong Kong is a permanent treatment and it is fixed on top of your teeth. 

When Would You Need A Dental Bridge Hong Kong Treatment?

A fixed dental bridge in Hong Kong is one of the treatment options commonly used to replace a missing tooth. If you are missing one or more teeth, and have a good history of maintaining good oral hygiene, then you would be a good candidate for a dental bridge in HK. 

Some indications that you may need to have your teeth replaced with a dental bridge is if you start to notice your teeth nearby start to move into the missing space. You may notice that your opposite tooth is growing out into space or has become slightly longer than your other teeth. In many dental bridge HK cases, you may notice you have difficulty biting or eating properly with that side, having pain in the jaw due to stress placed on one side of the jaw, or you may have become more self-conscious with a missing tooth!

Steps Involved in Dental Bridge HK Procedure

1st Appointment:

  1. In your first dental bridge Hong Kong appointment, your teeth are examined on either side of the missing space to check for stability and ability for the tooth to provide enough retention for the dental bridge. This examination may include dental x-rays, measurement taking around your gums and the vitality of the teeth will be determined as well. 
  2. If all is clear, we will then shade match (if using resin or ceramic or porcelain material), and take an impression of your teeth before starting the dental bridge Hong Kong procedure.
  3. Local anaesthesia or numbing will be applied, and the dental bridge HK procedure should be expected to last 2-3 hours normally.
  4. Your teeth on either side of the space will be cut back and prepared for the dental bridge.
  5. Another impression is taken and this one will be sent to the lab for construction of the final dental bridge in Hong Kong.
  6. Using the first impression that was made, we will make a temporary dental bridge for you to fit over the prepared teeth. Once the final dental bridge in HK is ready, you will be called to come back and have it fit in. The average wait time for this would be around 7-14 days. During this time, you can start to get used to having a tooth in the area and you may let us know what kind of modifications you would like for the final dental bridge. 

2nd Appointment:

  1. During the second visit, we will remove your temporary bridge and try in the final dental bridge in Hong Kong. You will be asked to bite onto a piece of marking paper to identify any “high-spots”, and we will polish the dental bridge until satisfactory fit is achieved.
  2. There will be an adjustment period once the dental bridge in Hong Kong is fit in, and we ask that you give it 5-7 days before coming in for further adjustments.

Available Types of Dental Bridges in Hong Kong

Depending on your current oral condition, Dr. Tong may use different types of dental bridges in HK to replace the missing teeth. Options for dental bridges in Hong Kong can include:

  •  Most common type of dental bridge in Hong Kong
  • Teeth on either side of the gap are prepared and covered by a full-coverage dental crown in Hong Kong
  • Only one tooth next to the gap is prepared and covered by a full-coverage dental crown in HK
  • May not be as strong as traditional type of dental bridge in Hong Kong, and is only chosen in specific situations
  • Minimal preparation of teeth next to the gap
  • The “wings” of the dental bridge in HK rest against the teeth next to the gap
  • Not as strong as traditional dental bridges in Hong Kong, and used in cases where there is minimal to no chewing/biting forces
  • Similar to traditional dental bridge in HK, but instead of resting on your own teeth, it rests on implants instead
  • Usually reserved for dental bridge cases requiring replacement of gaps with 3 or more missing teeth

Risks & Benefits of Dental Bridges Compared to Other Treatments

The benefits of having a dental bridge in Hong Kong is that it can offer a natural looking and feeling replacement of a lost tooth. Dental bridge HK procedures can help to restore function and recover proper speech for those with difficulty speaking due to a lost tooth, and it also has the benefit to prevent your adjacent teeth from moving into the gap. Advantages of the dental bridge option is that it is fixed to your teeth and does not move and cannot be removed like a denture. It is also less invasive than the implant dental bridge HK option. 

The drawbacks of a fixed dental bridge Hong Kong procedure is that it requires a lot of tooth structure removal. This means that your adjacent teeth can be weakened. At the same time, if your teeth are weak and not supportive enough by nature, they will lead to failure of the dental bridge and ultimately be a bad option for replacing a missing tooth. Another drawback with dental bridge HK treatment is that the maintenance of this prosthesis may be difficult for some patients. Also, dental bridges in Hong Kong require a special flossing technique to be performed every day after brushing. 

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges in HK

Just like a traditional dental bridge design, an implant-supported dental bridge in Hong Kong aims to replace missing teeth by incorporating implants and dental bridges to replace this large span of missing teeth. For example, if you are missing 3 molar teeth on one side of your mouth, then we may suggest replacing these teeth with an implant supported dental bridge in HK. These serve to replace your teeth and are a more stable and permanent option. Also, the number of missing teeth to be replaced will determine how many implant posts need to be placed and fixed in your jaw before constructing the dental bridge in Hong Kong. 

Compared with the traditional dental bridges, implant-supported dental bridges in Hong Kong are better because they do not rely on your existing teeth for strength and support. Oftentimes, your own natural teeth would have undergone some sort of treatment which make them poor candidates for a traditional dental bridge and depending on how many teeth are missing, traditional dental bridges in HK will not be suitable for all cases. Implant-supported dental bridges allow for flexibility, predictable results and can help to restore function, speech and your smile without having to cut into your natural teeth like a traditional dental bridge in Hong Kong would require. 

Learn More About Dental Crowns & Bridges – FAQs:

1. What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge in Hong Kong?

A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces 3 or more teeth, while a dental crown restores only 1 tooth. A traditional dental bridge in HK incorporates 2 dental crowns on either side of the missing tooth to anchor the dental bridge and fix a fake tooth in the space. The cost for a dental bridge is therefore often times higher than a single dental crown in Hong Kong.
Just like most treatments that require cutting or drilling into the tooth, there can be some discomfort during and after the dental bridge or crown procedure. The good news is that getting a dental crown, or a dental bridge, requires the same numbing procedure just like a filling and you will be numb throughout the treatment. You will not feel any pain or sensitivity during the dental bridge/crown procedure, and if you do, just let us know and we will make appropriate adjustments to get you out of the discomfort. After numbing wears off, you can expect some discomfort or sensitivity in the area because we would have worked around the gums. Give it some time to recover by using salt rinses and these symptoms should resolve within a few days or weeks.
The home care steps for a dental crown in HK are very similar to that of your own natural teeth! All you need to do is maintain good brushing and flossing habits and you will be able to keep your dental crown nice and healthy for as long as possible.
A dental crown, as well as a dental bridge procedure requires two visits. The first appointment will take slightly longer ranging from 1.5-2.5 hours while the second one generally lasts only up to 45 minutes. The length of time is case specific and depends on how many dental crowns, or dental bridges in Hong Kong are to be completed on the day.
A dental bridge in HK is a method for replacing a missing tooth whereby the surrounding teeth around the space are prepared so that dental crowns can fit over them and “bridge the gap”. One or more teeth can be replaced with a dental bridge procedure. You should note that dental bridges are irremovable, as they are cemented onto the teeth next door, and tend to last 5-15 years depending on how well they are taken care of.
This depends on how well you look after them. With good oral hygiene and proper care your dental bridge may last 10-15 years or longer. Implant-retained dental bridges in HK can last up to 20 years.
To clean a fixed dental bridge, you may consider using ‘superfloss’ to clean the area daily. Although you do not have a tooth under the dental bridge, plaque can still build up in the gaps and cause inflammation. Therefore, it is very important for you to clean the areas under the dental bridge thoroughly every day. To clean properly, we recommend dental bridge Hong Kong patients to first use the stiff end of the floss and insert it in between the dental bridge and your tooth, then pull it halfway through until the spongy area reaches under the dental bridge. Once there, using a sweeping motion and just like flossing your other teeth, glide it side to side to clean away plaque and food debris. Afterwards, your dental bridge should feel clean and a gap should be available under the fake tooth. Finally, you may pull the remaining floss out between the dental bridge and your tooth to remove it.
Poor oral hygiene under and around a dental bridge can lead to detrimental effects on the surrounding teeth and gums. Sometimes after dental bridge cases, this can result in tooth decay and gum disease which could have been avoided with good dental hygiene practices at home.