Crowns • Onlays • Bridges
Crowns (caps) and Onlays (partial crowns)
Crowns (caps) and onlays (partial crowns) are dental restorations that are placed over teeth when conservative fillings
are not sufficient to restore form, function and aesthetics.
Following root canal therapy, a crown is typically placed over the remaining tooth structure to preserve tooth function and aesthetics.
Crowns can be made from an all ceramic material, gold or a combination of the two materials.
Bridges
Where teeth are missing, bridges restore optimum function, improve aesthetics by filling the spaces
and provide stability by preventing the surrounding teeth from drifting.
There are several types of bridges. You and Dr. Chao will discuss the best options for your particular case.
The “traditional bridge” is the most popular type and consists to two crowns over two adjacent teeth (abutment teeth)
and are attached to a pontic (artificial tooth), filling the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
Bridges also provide a permanent, fixed alternative to removable partial dentures.
They can easily be maintained by brushing and modified flossing.
Crowns and Bridges can also be supported by dental implants.
Appointments
Crowns, onlays and bridges usually require two appointments.
At the first appointment the dentist shapes the teeth, takes an impression and provides a temporary cover for the prepared teeth.
A lab will then make the crown, onlay or bridge to the exact specifications requested.
At the second appointment, the dentist removes the temporary cover and cements or bonds on the permanent restoration.