Manila · Treatment Guide
Dental Crowns & Bridges Manila
Restore damaged or missing teeth with durable restorations
Price Range
₱5,000 – ₱25,000
Duration
2–3 visits
Consultation
Free
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or root canal-treated tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or implants. In Manila, crowns and bridges are available in several materials: porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-ceramic (e-max), and zirconia. Zirconia is the most popular choice for its combination of strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility.
Crown and Bridge Materials
Manila clinics offer three main crown materials: (1) Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — the traditional option, combining metal strength with porcelain aesthetics. Costs ₱5,000–₱10,000 per unit. The metal margin may show as a dark line at the gumline over time. (2) All-ceramic (e-max) — highly aesthetic, translucent, and natural-looking. Ideal for front teeth. Costs ₱10,000–₱18,000 per unit. (3) Zirconia — the strongest and most aesthetic option. Completely metal-free, biocompatible, and highly resistant to chipping. Costs ₱12,000–₱25,000 per unit. Most Manila clinics now recommend zirconia as the default choice.
The Crown and Bridge Procedure
The process begins with tooth preparation — the dentist removes a thin layer of enamel to make room for the crown. Impressions or digital scans are taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is fabricated (5–10 days). At the second visit, the permanent crown is checked for fit, color, and bite, then bonded with dental cement. Same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology are available at select Manila clinics, eliminating the need for a temporary crown.
Crowns vs. Bridges vs. Implants
Crowns are used to restore damaged teeth. Bridges replace missing teeth by using adjacent teeth as anchors — no surgery required, but adjacent teeth must be prepared (reduced). Implants replace missing teeth with a titanium post that fuses with the jawbone — no adjacent teeth are affected, but surgery is required. For single missing teeth, implants are generally the preferred long-term solution. Bridges are a good option when adjacent teeth already need crowns or when implants are not feasible. Your Manila dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific situation.
Key Benefits
- Restores full function and aesthetics of damaged or missing teeth
- Protects weakened teeth from further damage
- Natural-looking results that blend with surrounding teeth
- Durable — zirconia crowns last 15–20+ years with proper care
- Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into gaps
Who Should Consider This?
- Patients with severely decayed or damaged teeth that cannot be restored with fillings
- Those who have had root canal treatment (crown recommended to protect the tooth)
- People with missing teeth who want a fixed (non-removable) restoration
- Patients with cracked or fractured teeth at risk of further damage
What to Expect
Consultation & tooth preparation
Impressions or digital scan
Temporary crown/bridge placed
Lab fabrication (5–7 days)
Permanent restoration bonded
Top Clinics for Dental Crowns
Frequently Asked Questions
Zirconia crowns last 15–20+ years. PFM crowns last 10–15 years. All-ceramic crowns last 10–15 years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and regular check-ups.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during preparation. Mild sensitivity for a few days after is normal.
PFM: ₱5,000–₱10,000. All-ceramic (e-max): ₱10,000–₱18,000. Zirconia: ₱12,000–₱25,000 per unit. Prices vary by clinic and material.
A crown covers the entire tooth and is used for damaged or weakened teeth. A veneer covers only the front surface and is used for cosmetic improvements on healthy teeth.
Yes — some Manila clinics with CAD/CAM technology offer same-day crowns. The tooth is scanned digitally, and the crown is milled in-office within 1–2 hours.
Brush and floss normally. Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, pens). Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Visit your dentist every 6 months for check-ups.
Yes, though it is uncommon. If your crown falls off, keep it and contact your dentist immediately. Do not try to recement it yourself.
Implants are generally preferred for single missing teeth as they do not affect adjacent teeth. Bridges are a good option when adjacent teeth need crowns or when implants are not feasible.
A well-maintained bridge lasts 10–15 years. Zirconia bridges can last 15–20+ years. Regular cleaning under the bridge with floss threaders is essential.
Some HMOs cover basic crowns (PFM) at accredited clinics. Premium materials like zirconia are usually not covered. Check your specific plan for details.
"Crown" and "cap" refer to the same dental restoration. A crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gumline to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Brush and floss normally. Avoid biting very hard objects (ice, pens). Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Visit your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Yes — a crown is strongly recommended after root canal treatment to protect the weakened tooth from fracture. Without a crown, the tooth is at high risk of cracking.
A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being fabricated (5–10 days). Avoid hard and sticky foods with a temporary crown. Contact your dentist if it falls off.
Yes, though it is uncommon. If your crown falls off, keep it and contact your dentist immediately. Do not try to recement it yourself as this can damage the tooth.
A 3-unit bridge uses adjacent teeth as anchors and requires no surgery. An implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium post — no adjacent teeth are affected. Implants are generally preferred long-term.
Traditional crowns take 2 visits over 1–2 weeks. Same-day crowns using CAD/CAM technology are available at select Manila clinics and can be completed in 1–2 hours.
Zirconia is a ceramic material that combines exceptional strength with excellent aesthetics. It is completely metal-free, biocompatible, and highly resistant to chipping — making it the preferred crown material.
It depends on the extent of damage. If sufficient tooth structure remains, a crown can restore the tooth. If the tooth is too damaged, extraction and replacement with an implant may be necessary.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent natural teeth or implants. The adjacent teeth are prepared (reduced) to support the bridge.
Use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean under the bridge. Regular cleaning prevents gum disease and decay under the bridge, which can cause bridge failure.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during preparation. Mild sensitivity for a few days after is normal and managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
E-max is a type of all-ceramic crown made from lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. It offers excellent aesthetics and translucency, making it ideal for front teeth. It is slightly less strong than zirconia.
Yes — all-ceramic (e-max) and zirconia crowns are ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance. They mimic the translucency and color of natural teeth for seamless results.