Dental crowns and onlays are two types of dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. A dental crown, often referred to as a cap, completely covers the visible portion of a tooth, providing strength, improving appearance, and restoring functionality. Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these, and are commonly used when a tooth has extensive damage or following root canal treatment. Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, cover only a portion of the tooth, usually the chewing surface and one or more cusps. They are used when the damage is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. Made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, onlays offer a conservative approach, preserving more of the natural tooth structure while still providing durability and aesthetic appeal. Both crowns and onlays are custom-made to fit the patient's tooth and bite, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit.
Dr. Isha Dental & Implant Centre
CERAMIC CROWNS
Ceramic crowns help restore both the function and aesthetics of damaged teeth. These crowns are made entirely of ceramic material, which closely mimics the natural translucency and color of tooth enamel, providing a highly realistic appearance. For making ceramic crowns, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown, followed by taking an impression that is sent to the dental lab. Next, the permanent ceramic crown is bonded to the tooth. Ceramic crowns are highly durable and biocompatible, making them an excellent choice for people with metal allergies or those seeking a metal-free restoration. They are particularly popular for restoring front teeth due to their superior aesthetic qualities, ensuring that the restoration blends seamlessly with the patient's natural teeth.
PFM CROWNS
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are a popular type of dental restoration that combines the strength of a metal base with the aesthetic appeal of porcelain. The metal core provides durability and stability, making the crown suitable for both front and back teeth, where strength is essential to withstand biting and chewing forces. The porcelain overlay is carefully color-matched to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth, providing a natural and appealing look. PFM crowns are known for their balance between strength and aesthetics, offering a reliable and long-lasting solution for teeth that have been significantly damaged or decayed. Despite the advances in all-ceramic crowns, PFM crowns remain a preferred choice in many cases due to their proven track record, especially in situations where maximum durability is required.
ZIRCONIA CROWNS
Zirconia crowns are a type of dental crown made from zirconium dioxide, a highly durable ceramic material known for its exceptional strength and aesthetic qualities. These crowns are increasingly popular due to their ability to withstand significant biting forces, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. Zirconia crowns offer a metal-free option, which is beneficial for patients with metal sensitivities or allergies, and they provide a natural, tooth-like translucency that enhances their appearance. Additionally, zirconia is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the body and unlikely to cause adverse reactions. Overall, zirconia crowns combine strength, biocompatibility, and aesthetics, making them an excellent choice for a long-lasting, natural-looking dental restoration.
DENTAL ONLAYS
Dental onlays are a type of indirect restoration used to repair teeth that have sustained moderate to extensive damage but do not require a full crown. Often referred to as partial crowns, onlays are custom-made to fit the damaged area of a tooth, covering one or more of its cusps and sometimes extending over the chewing surface. They are typically fabricated from materials such as porcelain, composite resin, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal. Onlays are bonded to the tooth, providing a strong and durable solution that can restore both function and appearance. One of the key advantages of onlays is their conservative nature; they preserve more of the natural tooth structure compared to full crowns, which can be important for long-term dental health.
