Inlays/Onlays
Ceramic inlays and onlays provide patients with the very best in looks and durability when it comes to restoring teeth that have suffered significant decay. The ceramic material has a very similar look and consistency compared to real tooth enamel, which makes the finished product virtually indistinguishable from a natural, healthy tooth. An inlay or onlay is also much more durable than a traditional filling, and tends to last a great deal longer than a normal filling. The main difference between the two is how they actually fit on the tooth. Unlike a regular filling, which is molded into place according to the space that needs to be filled, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab prior to being fit and bonded to the tooth. An inlay fits inside the edges of a tooth, where as an onlay completely covers the cusps of the damaged tooth.
Crowns
When a tooth no longer has sufficient structure to support a filling or even and inlay/onlay, it is usually necessary to place a crown directly on top of that existing tooth. A crown is mainly used to completely cover a tooth and restore its original shape and size. Sometimes crowns are often referred to as a “cap” due to the fact that they literally cap off a previously damaged tooth. This protective cap will ensure that the tooth is no longer susceptible to further decay or damage, and will spare the patient from any further discomfort. A crown may also be attached to false teeth that have been damaged such as a denture or a bridge.
Bridges
Just like its name suggests, a bridge is a permanent tooth replacement that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Like a crown, a bridge is a permanent fixture in a patient’s mouth that is designed to improve the look as well as the overall health of the patient’s teeth. The false tooth is specifically designed to perfectly fill the gap created by a person’s missing tooth. Once the bridge is in place, it is attached to the existing natural teeth for support. A bridge can be made of a number of different materials including gold, porcelain or a metal alloy.