VENEERS/ CROWNS/ INLAYS/ ONLAYS

Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed over a prepared tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. The veneer is fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth using a dental cement, (glue).

Crowns

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or and is typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement.  Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods.  Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

The most common method of crowning a tooth involves using a dental impression of a prepared tooth by a dentist to fabricate the crown outside of the mouth.  The crown can then be inserted at a subsequent dental appointment.

 

Inlays/Onlays

An inlay is an indirect restoration (filling) consisting of a solid substance such as gold or porcelain fitted to a perpared tooth and cemented into place.  An onlay is the same as an inlay, except that it extends to replace a cusp. Inlays strengthen treated teeth and are nearly indiscernible from natural teeth.