Crowns, Onlays and Inlays

Crowns and Inlays/Onlays

Some teeth require complete or partial coverage of the tooth structure to protect them. In some instances a part of the tooth may have been fractured off, an existing filling may be too large, or there may be too much decay in the tooth to place a filling.  In all of these cases a full coverage crown, or partial coverage inlay or onlay may be needed.

An inlay or onlay is a lab fabricated restorative piece that fits nicely onto your tooth to replace the lost tooth structure. The advantage of this versus a crown is that less tooth structure needs to be removed in order to fully protect the tooth. Inlays and onlays can be made of gold or porcelain.

For teeth which require crowns, one of the best esthetic options today is an all-ceramic crown. These crowns are extremely natural looking as well as durable and strong.  If a tooth is hidden and not visible in your smile a gold crown is another great option, particularly on upper posterior teeth.  Gold is one of the most biocompatible metals known to man and is one of the longest lasting restorations.

Crowns or Inlays/Onlays?

Crowns and Inlays/Onlays have distinct advantages for different patients. When a large filling can no longer be replaced with a filling, we will let you know what we recommend as the best treatment for your tooth and why.  Remember there is nothing stronger than your own tooth structure; if applicable, we may recommend an inlay/onlay versus a crown to preserve some of your natural tooth structure.  We offer all-ceramic crowns and all-ceramic inlays/onlays as well as gold crowns and gold inlays/onlays.  Dr. Chin is an active member of a Tucker Gold Study Club and takes pride is offering and providing beautiful, long-lasting, gold restorations.