Onlay and crowns

 

Onlays and crowns are custom-made restorations used to restore and strengthen a damaged tooth.
Onlays and crowns are recommended when a large portion of the tooth is missing due to trauma, decay, wear or weakened due to root canal treatment. If cracks or fractures are noted, onlays and crowns may be recommended to brace the tooth to prevent the propagation of the crack.
A large composite resin filling can also be used as an alternative but it is not as strong a material, making it prone to chips and fractures and will need replacement at an earlier time.
There are 3 main materials used for crowns:

1. All ceramic crowns (Emax or Zirconia): Unlike the traditional PFMs, these do not have the underlying metal substructure and are usually the choice of material in aesthetic areas.

2. Gold crowns: Gold is the most conservative and durable material available and is recommended in posterior teeth with high forces. At Dentistry First, we only use a high percentage of gold.

3. Porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFMs): Prior to all ceramic crowns, PFM was the choice of material when aesthetics is required. Now PFMs are rarely used but may be the choice of material in patients with a strong bite needing a posterior tooth replaced in the smile line.

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Bridges

 

A bridge constitutes of crowns on natural teeth on either side of a gap. A bridge may be recommended if one or more teeth are missing and the adjacent teeth are sound and will benefit from a crown.
Other replacement options for a gap include partial dentures or implants. Talk to us for the best replacement option in your case!