Dental crowns, onlays, inlays, and veneers are all dental restorations that can improve the appearance of your teeth.
The type of restoration that’s best for you depends on the condition of your teeth and your desired outcome.
Crowns Cover the entire tooth above the gum line Used for severe cavities or decays/ Can be used to protect children’s teeth or badly damaged teeth.
Onlays Cover the cusp and sides of a tooth, in addition to the chewing surface Also known as “partial crowns”. Used to protect severely damaged teeth and restore their function.
Inlays Fit inside the tooth, covering only the chewing surface. More durable than a filling for large cavities.
Veneers Tooth-shaped porcelain shells that adhere to the front surface of teeth Used to correct gaps, uneven teeth, and tooth discoloration. Can be used to change the shape and size of teeth. A dentist can assess your teeth and recommend the best restoration option for you.
Crowns are made from a variety of durable materials such as ceramic, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and composite resin.
Because a crown is made to blend in with the surrounding natural teeth, the dentist uses the following factors to determine the type of material used.
After the numbing anesthetic is applied to the tooth receiving the crown, the dentist drills the tooth. Next, an impression of the drilled tooth is taken and sent to the lab where the crown is made. Making the crown takes two to three weeks.
During the waiting period, the dentist may place a temporary crown on the tooth.
Once the permanent crown is ready, the dentist removes the temporary crown and attaches the permanent one to the tooth with cement. After that, it is cured, or hardened, with a light. The permanent crown is resilient and designed to withstand chewing.
If a tooth breaks down or decays, it leaves a gap, which interferes with the bite. Installing a crown restores the integrity of a damaged tooth and improves its appearance.
Crowns can break just like natural teeth. To prevent damage to crowns and to teeth, be sure to:
Crowns aren’t the answer for every tooth problem; however, they might be the right choice for you. If you think that you may be a good candidate for a crown, schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.