Crowns, Inlays and Onlays

The Art of Stratification in dental Ceramics

A ceramist is tailoring a dress on the body that we created, on a body that we designed; tailoring without design is lifeless and design without tailoring is mute. To achieve our goal we need to fuse these worlds together.

Optimal Relationship Prosthodontist – Master Technician is key for high quality work

For a prosthodontist aside from the multidisciplinary approach with other doctors when aiming to restore ideally our patients there is a last fundamental aspect to consider : the art of reproducing nature. Artistic talent must not disregard the natural anatomy of a real tooth. To this aid the continuous communication with our master technicians is mandatory.

Knowing how to communicate with lab technicians is key.

A ceramist is tailoring a dress on the body that we created, on a body that we designed. If you think about it tailoring without design is lifeless and designing without tailoring is mute. Same story between us and our master technicians.

To achieve a great outcome you need to fuse these two worlds together .
It is the accuracy and detail inherent in harmonic composition that endows these smiles with lasting value. Of course it is all about the time and attention paid by the prosthodontist but the ceramist with his final touch will make this detail, this dream, this vision possible.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic restorations made to restore a damaged tooth to its original shape and size. They’re permanently cemented on teeth that have cracked, extensively decayed, or otherwise been damaged. Crowns are custom made to fit over each tooth.

Crowns are indicated to:

Replace existing crowns which have failed.
Restore the form, function and appearance of badly broken down, worn or fractured teeth, where other simpler forms of restorations are unsuitable or have been found to fail clinically.
Improve the aesthetics of unsightly teeth which cannot be managed by simpler cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Maintain the structural stability and reduce the risk of fractures of extensively restored teeth including those which have been endodontically treated.
Restore the visible portion of a single dental implant.

What are dental inlays & overlays?

Inlays are used instead of fillings to replace a small amount of tooth structure loss due to decay. Like fillings, inlays fit inside the tooth and can be made of a tooth-colored material such as ceramic/porcelain.

Onlays also fit inside the tooth, but extend onto the chewing surface of a back tooth to replace one or more cusps. Making the onlay of ceramic/porcelain allows the restoration to be bonded to the tooth. This bonding process may actually improve the strength of the tooth and help seal the onlay to the tooth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long do dental crowns last?

The duration of dental crowns depends on the material in which they are made of and on the precision of placement in the patients mouth; it also depends on adequate maintenance and proper hygiene after the procedure. Crowns can last for a lifetime if properly taken care of.

How much do crowns cost?

The cost of dental crowns depends on the materials used and on the amount of dental crowns needed for the treatment. You can contact Dr. Emanuele Cicero for a bespoke treatment which will be individualized for you.

Is it painful to have a crown put on your tooth?

The procedure is not painful. Local anesthesia is used when vital teeth are prepared for crown placement.

How much does a dental inlay cost?

The cost of a dental inlay depends on the materials used and on the amount of dental inlays needed for treatment. You can contact Dr. Emanuele Cicero for a bespoke treatment which will be individualized for you.

How long do dental inlays last for?

The duration of dental inlays depends on the type of inlay and on how the procedure is carried out. Typically inlays can last forever if properly taken care of.

What is the difference between an inlay and a crown?

Crowns are fixed restorations made to restore a damaged tooth to its original shape and size. They’re permanently cemented on teeth that have cracked, extensively decayed, or otherwise been damaged. Crowns are custom made to fit over each tooth.
Inlays are used instead of fillings to replace a small amount of tooth structure loss due to decay. Like fillings, inlays fit inside the tooth and can be made of a tooth-colored material such as ceramic/porcelain.

What is the difference between an overlay and a crown?

Crowns restore a damaged tooth to its original shape and size. They are permanently cemented on teeth that have cracked, extensively decayed, or otherwise been damaged. Crowns are custom made to fit over each tooth. Onlays also fit inside the tooth, but extend onto the chewing surface of a back tooth to replace one or more cusps. Making the onlay of ceramic/porcelain allows the restoration to be bonded to the tooth. This bonding process may actually improve the strength of the tooth and help seal the onlay to the tooth.

Does getting an onlay hurt?

The procedure is not painful, typically patients that get crowns go through a painless process, from visits to operation. It is also possible to numb the mouth of patients before any filling or fitting.