Crown & Bridge, Inlay/Onlay
Highly effective and aesthetic restorations for missing or damaged teeth
If unsightly or missing teeth are spoiling your smile, we can help fit a neat, natural coloured alternative to boost your appearance and your confidence. Bridges use the teeth on either side of the gap as support for a beautifully aesthetic replacement, while crowns fit completely over your damaged or discoloured tooth to provide a stable and natural looking result. Inlays and onlays are used to restore larger areas of decay or damage that need more than a standard filling.
Why do I need a crown?
We use crowns for several reasons. If your teeth are badly decayed or fractured, crowns provide a very effective protective cover, avoiding any further damage. They can also be used as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings and to correct minor problems in your natural teeth such as an irregular shape or severe discolouration.
Crowns are used as the final stage in root canal treatment to provide a reliable and aesthetic finish. They are also fitted over natural teeth for support in bridge cases, and affixed to a dental implant to achieve full functionality and appearance.
Why have a bridge?
It is important to replace missing teeth in your smile, not just because it can really affect confidence. Replacing teeth prevents the remaining teeth from shifting out of position, causing alignment issues. It also protects the otherwise vulnerable gums.
Bridges are a more secure alternative to partial dentures as they are fixed. We can also use a bridge in combination with implants to replace more than one missing tooth.
Why have an inlay or onlay?
Inlays and onlays are used to repair damage that is more extensive than a normal filling, and can provide a less invasive, more affordable alternative to a crown. An inlay fits within the confines of the tooth, while an onlay covers the entire chewing surface. They are tailored to fit and preserve more of the healthy tooth than other restorative options.
Inlays and onlays protect and strengthen your tooth, and are more durable and stable than a standard filling. They are also easier to keep clean and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
We first make sure that the teeth that will support the bridge are healthy and strong. They are then prepared through removing a layer of enamel.
We take digital scans of the prepared teeth. These are sent to the dental laboratory. While your bridge is custom-made, we provide you with a temporary bridge to protect the exposed teeth.
When ready, the bridge is checked and adjusted to make sure it fits perfectly and it is finally fixed in place with strong dental cement.
Bridges are usually made from a precious metal, but ceramic can be used too. If the bridge will show, porcelain is bonded to the metal base for improved aesthetics. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base for strength.
Although a bridge may seem costly, they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge also takes some considerable skill to make.
Your bridge needs to be cleaned every day as part of your normal oral hygiene routine to prevent any problems from occurring. Underneath the bridge also needs to be kept clean, using special tools or floss as advised by your dentist, as a standard toothbrush will not be able to reach. Your dentist will keep an eye on your bridge at your regular examination appointments.
We first ensure that the internal structure of the tooth is intact, making sure there are no signs of infection.
We remove a layer of tooth structure, but make sure we leave a strong core. The amount of tooth removed depends on the thickness of the crown, which can differ depending on the material used to make it.
We then take digital scans of your teeth and record their colour so the crown can be made to fit perfectly. Between appointments, we protect the prepared tooth with a temporary crown.
When your crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed and the new permanent one fixed in place with a strong dental cement.
The best way to look after your crown is to treat it just like a natural tooth. Brush and floss twice a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is also important to see your dentist for regular examinations so they can ensure your crown is functioning as it should.
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from plastic, ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
Firstly, a thorough clinical examination is conducted with radiographs, by the dentist. The suitability for crowns is assessed and any preparatory work is carried out. Your dentist will also be able to advise on material choices, treatment sequence and any other concerns you may have.
Two visits to the practice are usually required to complete the treatment for inlays and onlays. Any areas of decay or old fillings are removed and the tooth is cleaned. We take digital scans and these are used by a dental laboratory to create the inlay or onlay so it will exactly match the area to be filled.
A temporary restoration is fitted so the prepared cavity can be protected while the inlay or onlay is being made. When ready, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit and comfort, and then fixed permanently in place with a strong dental adhesive.
The best way to look after your inlay or onlay is to consider it just as you do your natural teeth. Keep up with a good oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing and flossing twice a day to keep decay and gum disease at bay. It is also important to visit your dentist for regular check ups.
If looked after properly, an inlay or onlay can last in excess of ten years. They are very durable and generally considered longer lasting than standard fillings.
Once fitted, your inlay or onlay is considered part of your tooth, and will last a long time. If any further damage or decay occurs, or it becomes worn after many years, it may need to be removed and replaced.