Crowns, Onlays, & Bridges
Restore Missing Teeth with a Natural Look and Feel
Crowns and bridges are used to restore and enhance teeth that are damaged or to take the place of missing teeth. A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment.
Crowns may be used to:
Replace a large filling when there is little tooth structure remaining
Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
Restore a fractured tooth
Attach a bridge
Cover a dental implant
Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing teeth. A bridge is one or more artificial teeth cemented into place using the teeth on either side for support.
It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible. Since teeth use their neighbors for support, if one is missing they begin to “fall” and shift into the open spaces. This may worsen the bite because of the changes in pressure and can eventually result in problems with the jaw such as TMJ.
crown vs onlay
At Inwood Family Dental, we strive for the most conservative and successful long-term treatment option. Both crowns and onlays are used to restore damaged teeth, but they differ in how much of the tooth they cover. A crown covers the entire tooth, like a protective cap, and is typically used when there’s extensive damage or after a root canal. An onlay is a more conservative option—it fits over just the damaged portion of the tooth, preserving more of your natural structure. Dr. Gutierrez will recommend the best option based on your tooth’s condition and long-term needs.