At Bingham Dental, we offer a range of restorative treatments to suit the specific needs of your teeth. Onlays and crowns are both excellent options for repairing damaged teeth, but they differ in the extent of coverage and the amount of natural tooth structure they preserve.
What is an Onlay?
An onlay is used when the damage to a tooth is too extensive for a traditional filling but does not require a full crown. It covers the damaged area, including one or more cusps (the raised, pointed parts of a tooth), without completely encasing the tooth.
Thanks to advances in adhesive dentistry, onlays are a more conservative option when there is enough healthy tooth tissue remaining. They are custom-made to fit precisely and bonded securely to the tooth, providing:
Durable Protection: Shields the tooth from further decay or fracture.
A Natural Look and Feel: Crafted from tooth-coloured materials for a seamless finish.
Tissue Conservation: Preserves as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Onlays are particularly suitable for:
Large existing fillings that need replacement.
Fractured cusps.
Back teeth following root canal treatment.
What is a Crown?
A crown is recommended when a tooth is too weak or extensively damaged for a filling or onlay. Unlike an onlay, a crown completely caps the entire visible portion of the tooth, restoring its strength, shape, size, and appearance.
Crowns are typically used for:
Teeth with significant decay or structural damage.
Heavily restored or broken teeth.
Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
Like onlays, crowns can be crafted from high-quality, tooth-coloured materials such as ceramic, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your natural smile. Crowns provide comprehensive protection and are designed to withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
Choosing the Right Option
Both onlays and crowns are excellent solutions for improving oral health and restoring the function and appearance of damaged teeth. At Bingham Dental, we prioritise tissue conservation and use the latest adhesive techniques to provide durable, long-lasting restorations. When sufficient tooth structure remains, an onlay is often the preferred choice due to its minimally invasive nature.
To find out which option suits you best, book a consultation with our expert team in Dore, Sheffield, today. Let us help you achieve a healthier, stronger smile!