When a tooth becomes weakened due to a large filling, decay, or a crack, simply repairing the damaged area may not be enough. In many cases, a dental crown or porcelain onlay can provide the additional strength needed to protect the tooth and prevent further damage.
At Absolute Dental Care, we often recommend crowns and porcelain bonded restorations (commonly known as onlays) to help preserve teeth that might otherwise be at risk of breaking. But what exactly is involved in the process? Let’s take a closer look at what happens from your first appointment through to the final placement of your new restoration.
Why Might You Need a Crown or Onlay?
The primary reason we recommend a crown or onlay is to strengthen a compromised tooth.
A tooth may become vulnerable if it has:
- A crack or fracture
- A large existing filling
- Significant wear and tear
- Previous dental work that has weakened the tooth structure
A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, acting like a protective cap. A porcelain onlay or porcelain bonded restorations (PBRs), sometimes referred to as a three-quarter crown, covers and strengthens the damaged sections while preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
Both options are designed to help prevent the tooth from breaking and to restore its function for many years to come.
Your First Appointment
The process begins with a thorough assessment to determine whether a crown or onlay is the most appropriate treatment option.
Once the treatment plan has been discussed, we ensure you’re completely comfortable by numbing the area before starting any work.
Before preparing the tooth, we take an initial impression. This allows us to create a temporary restoration that will protect the tooth while your final crown or onlay is being custom-made.
Next, the tooth is carefully shaped. A small amount of tooth structure needs to be removed to create enough space for the new restoration. This ensures the crown or onlay fits comfortably and allows your bite to function naturally.
The Benefits of Digital Scanning
Gone are the days of bulky trays filled with impression material.
At Absolute Dental Care, we use advanced digital scanning technology to capture an incredibly accurate 3D image of your teeth.
The intraoral scanner is a small handheld device that gently scans the inside of your mouth. The result is a highly detailed digital model that provides exceptional precision and comfort.
Digital scanning offers several advantages:
- No messy impression material
- Greater patient comfort
- Extremely accurate results
- Faster communication with the dental laboratory
Once the scan is complete, we also record your bite by scanning both the upper and lower teeth. This allows the digital models to be aligned accurately, ensuring your final restoration fits perfectly.
Crafting Your Custom Restoration
Your digital scans are then sent to a specialised dental laboratory.
Using advanced computer-aided design technology, the laboratory technicians design your crown or onlay electronically before manufacturing it from a solid block of high-quality zirconia or porcelain.
These materials are chosen for their strength, durability, and natural appearance, helping your restoration blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
The fabrication process typically takes a couple of weeks.
Your Final Appointment
When your custom restoration returns from the laboratory, you’ll attend a second appointment.
At this visit, we remove the temporary restoration and thoroughly clean the prepared tooth. We then carefully check the fit, appearance, and bite of your new crown or onlay.
Once everything is perfect, the restoration is permanently bonded or cemented into place.
The result is a strong, functional, and natural-looking tooth that can withstand everyday chewing and biting forces.
How Long Do Crowns and Onlays Last?
With proper care, crowns and porcelain onlays are designed to be long-lasting restorations.
On average, they can last between 10 and 15 years, and many patients enjoy even longer lifespans when they maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups.
Brushing, flossing, and routine professional examinations all play an important role in protecting your investment and ensuring your restoration continues to perform well for years to come.
Have Questions About Crowns or Onlays?
If you’ve been told you may need a crown, or you’re concerned about a cracked or heavily filled tooth, our team at Absolute Dental Care is here to help.
We’ll take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate treatment to help protect your smile for the future.