Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns

Crowns strengthen and further protect the natural tooth, providing a kind of ‘cap’ for the tooth while also helping restore its aesthetic form. Inlays and onlays are designed to help repair teeth in a similar way to fillings or crowns but can be used in situations where a filling wouldn’t be suitable, or a more minimally-invasive approach is viable.

What are crowns made of?

Crowns have often been made of a precious metal such as gold, but these days patients tend to prefer those made of porcelain or Zirconia which offer a much more natural-looking finish. Porcelain is highly durable and hard-wearing and is able to mimic the surface and shade of a natural tooth particularly well. Some crowns can also be made from composite resin material.

If I have a root canal treatment, will I need a crown?

We do sometimes place crowns after a root canal treatment, in order to secure the function of the natural tooth and further protect it from damage. Whether or not we need to do this depends on the extent of damage to the tooth, and is only ever decided on a patient-by-patient-basis.

What is the treatment like?

Treatment for a crown usually occurs over two appointments. During your first appointment we’ll remove the decayed and damaged parts of the tooth before preparing it for the crown and taking an impression or digital scan. This scan or impression will then be used to make your personal crown off-site, and we’ll fit you for a temporary crown while this happens. Once your personal crown is ready, you’ll come back into the practice for your second appointment, during which we’ll fit the crown and cement it into place.

Are there any alternatives to a crown?

When repairing a damaged tooth, there are other options available such as an onlay, which can be a less invasive treatment option. If you are considering receiving a crown for purely aesthetic reasons, then another option could be a veneer. This is also less invasive than a crown, but it’s worth remembering that they are not yet as durable or hard-wearing as crowns. We’ll talk through all your options during a consultation and be able to help determine which treatment is most suitable for you.

What is an inlay?

Inlays work in a similar way to fillings, but unlike fillings are made off-site in a dental laboratory and then placed for you here in the practice. Like a filling, an inlay sits inside a tooth, filling a hole that may have been created as a result of infection, damage, or decay. They are designed to fit seamlessly in with the rest of the natural tooth, and are attached to the tooth via a very strong dental adhesive.

What is an onlay?

Onlays are designed to fulfil a similar function to a crown, but offer a less invasive option as less of the natural tooth is removed in order to apply the onlay. As with inlays, the onlay is made off-site at a trusted dental laboratory, and then applied for you here at The York Dental Suite. Unlike inlays, onlays sit over the top of the tooth, and are designed to repair damage done to the cusp of the tooth – this is the part of the tooth that is most visible. They are tooth-coloured by design, blending in with the rest of the mouth and help provide extra protection and strength to a tooth that has been damaged in some way.

How long does the treatment take?

Inlays and onlays are usually applied over two appointments.

For more information regarding this treatment

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