Crowns, inlays and onlays are often used to restore teeth that have suffered damage too extensive to be fixed with just a simple filling.   

Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns can be thought of as a cover or “cap”, and are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. 

They are also used to prevent a large filling from breaking off, prevent a cracked tooth from  deteriorating further, and to cover implants. In addition, crowns are often used to cover discolored or yellow teeth for superior aesthetics.

Like inlays and onlays, crowns are custom-made in a laboratory to fit your unique smile. Crowns can be fabricated using various materials, including zirconia, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal, depending on the tooth and its function. Depending on the material used, dental crowns can last up to 10 – 15 years with proper care. All 3 materials are very strong, stain-resistant and extremely durable.

Your Dental Crown Procedure

A dental crown typically takes two appointments to complete.

At your first appointment, we’ll prepare and shape your tooth to make the crown. If the tooth was severely decayed or broken, we will need to restore the tooth first. After taking an impression of your tooth, we’ll put in a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being made.

At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary crown. Your permanent crown will then be fitted and bonded to your natural tooth.

Caring For Your Crowns

Similar to inlays and onlays, crowns are strong and long-lasting. However, certain behaviors can significantly shorten the life of a crown. Long-term teeth grinding can damage the crown, which can be prevented by wearing a nightguard during sleep. Biting on hard foods such as nuts, bones, ice or hard candy can compromise the crown's adhesion, or even chip the crown. With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to 10 -15 years or longer. 

Crowns require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth every day to reduce the buildup of  plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular cleanings at your dental office. 

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are typically used when the cavity is too large for a simple filling, but not extensive enough to require a full-coverage crown. Fabricated with durable materials such as zirconia or metal alloys, they can last for many years with proper care.

Inlays and onlays are considered “indirect” fillings, in which they are fabricated outside the mouth (at a dental laboratory), and then bonded to the tooth by the dentist. Conversely, a “direct” filling is applied directly to the cavity by the dentist in a single visit.

Inlays are fabricated as a single, solid piece to fit the specific shape and size of the cavity, and then bonded in place. Onlays are also fabricated as a single, solid piece, and are larger than an inlay, but smaller than a crown.  

An indirect filling is considered an “inlay” when it fits within the little points or “cusps” of a back tooth. It is an “onlay” if it covers one or more of these cusps. The procedure for placing an inlay or onlay is the same.

Your Inlay/Onlay Procedure

Getting an inlay or onlay is very similar to having a crown placed, with one important distinction: less of your natural tooth structure will need to be removed. Since our goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, we may recommend an inlay or onlay as a more conservative treatment when possible. 

Inlays and onlays typically take two appointments to complete.

The inlay/onlay procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. We then remove the decay and shape the tooth. After taking an impression of the tooth, we’ll put in a temporary inlay/onlay to protect it while your permanent inlay/onlay is being fabricated at the dental laboratory. 

At your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary inlay. Your permanent inlay/onlay will then be fitted and bonded to your natural tooth.

Inlays and onlays are strong and long-lasting, and require no greater level of care than any other tooth. Conscientious daily brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleanings at your dental office will ensure your restoration lasts for years to come.

Dental Crowns can restore your teeth.
Call our Toronto, ON office today at (416) 321-9500
for more information or to book an appointment!