What Are Dental Crowns, Bridges, Inlays and Onlays?
At ēm dental, we provide dental crowns in London, bridges, inlays and onlays to restore damaged, weakened or missing teeth. These restorative treatments can help rebuild the function and appearance of your smile while protecting your remaining natural teeth.
Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and bite before recommending the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Dental Crowns London
Dental crowns in London at ēm dental can help restore damaged, weakened or worn teeth with a natural-looking and functional restoration.
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns can help restore the shape, strength and function of a tooth while providing a natural-looking appearance.
A crown may be recommended when a tooth has significant structural damage, a large filling, extensive decay or has been weakened following root canal treatment.
The crown is designed to fit over the prepared tooth and can be matched to the colour and appearance of your surrounding teeth.
When Might You Need a Dental Crown?
- A tooth has been weakened by decay or damage
- A tooth has a large or failing filling
- A tooth has been cracked or significantly worn
- A tooth requires additional protection following root canal treatment
- An existing crown needs to be replaced
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the gap created by missing teeth and can help restore your ability to chew and speak while improving the appearance of your smile.
A traditional bridge is typically supported by teeth next to the gap. The replacement tooth is attached to crowns that fit over the supporting teeth, creating a stable and natural-looking restoration.
If you have missing teeth, your dentist will assess the condition of the surrounding teeth and your overall oral health before recommending a bridge.
For more information about our dedicated treatment, see our Dental Bridges service page.
Dental Inlays
A dental inlay is a custom-made restoration used to repair a tooth when the damage is too extensive for a conventional filling but the tooth does not require a full crown.
Inlays fit within the damaged area of the tooth and are designed to restore its shape and function while preserving as much healthy natural tooth structure as possible.
Your dentist will assess the amount of damage and determine whether an inlay or another restoration would be more appropriate.
Dental Onlays
A dental onlay is similar to an inlay but provides coverage over a larger area of the tooth. An onlay can extend over one or more cusps when a tooth has more extensive damage.
Onlays can provide a conservative alternative to a full crown when there is still enough healthy tooth structure to preserve.
The most appropriate restoration will depend on the condition of your tooth and the amount of healthy structure remaining.
What Is the Difference Between Crowns, Bridges, Inlays and Onlays?
Although these treatments are all used in restorative dentistry, they have different purposes.
- Dental crowns cover and protect a weakened or damaged tooth.
- Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth.
- Dental inlays repair damage within the tooth when a filling is not sufficient.
- Dental onlays repair more extensive damage and can cover one or more cusps.
Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual dental condition, oral health and treatment goals.
When Might You Need Restorative Dentistry?
Restorative dental treatment may be recommended when teeth have been affected by decay, damage, wear or previous dental treatment. Replacing missing teeth can also help restore everyday dental function.
Common reasons for restorative treatment include:
- Tooth decay
- Cracked or damaged teeth
- Large or weakened fillings
- Worn-down teeth
- Teeth weakened following root canal treatment
- One or more missing teeth
Early assessment can help identify problems before further damage occurs. Your dentist will explain your treatment options and the benefits and limitations of each one.
How Does Treatment Work?
1. Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite and discuss any concerns you have. X-rays or other diagnostic assessments may be recommended where appropriate.
2. Treatment Planning
Once your dental condition has been assessed, your dentist will explain the most suitable restoration and discuss the expected outcome, treatment process and associated costs.
3. Preparation
Depending on the treatment, the affected tooth may need to be prepared before the restoration is made. Your dentist will explain what preparation is required for your particular treatment.
4. Custom Restoration
Your restoration is designed to fit your tooth or replace the missing tooth or teeth. The shape, size and shade can be planned to complement your surrounding teeth.
5. Fitting
Once the restoration is ready, your dentist will check its fit, appearance and function before securing it in place. Any necessary adjustments can be made to help ensure a comfortable bite.
Benefits of Dental Restorations
Restorative treatments can help repair damaged teeth, replace missing teeth and improve everyday dental function.
- Restore damaged or weakened teeth
- Replace missing teeth
- Improve chewing function
- Restore the shape and appearance of teeth
- Provide a natural-looking result
- Help protect remaining healthy tooth structure
How Long Do Crowns, Bridges, Inlays and Onlays Last?
The lifespan of a dental restoration varies between patients. Oral hygiene, bite forces, the condition of the supporting teeth and everyday habits can all affect how long a restoration remains in good condition.
Regular dental examinations and good oral hygiene can help protect both your natural teeth and your restorations.
If you notice sensitivity, movement, damage or a change in the appearance of your restoration, contact your dentist so it can be assessed.
How Do You Look After Dental Restorations?
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining the health of your natural teeth and restorations.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth regularly
- Pay particular attention to areas around restorations
- Attend regular dental examinations
- Follow your dentist’s advice about maintenance
If you have a dental bridge, your dentist or hygienist can also demonstrate how to clean underneath the replacement tooth.
Dental Crowns, Bridges, Inlays & Onlays Cost
The cost of dental crowns in London depends on the type of restoration required, the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your individual case.
If you are considering dental crowns in London, the cost will depend on the type of crown required, the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your individual case.
At ēm dental, your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss the recommended treatment and associated costs during your consultation.
You can also view our treatment prices before booking your appointment.
Are Dental Crowns, Bridges, Inlays and Onlays Suitable for Everyone?
Restorative treatment is not suitable in exactly the same way for every patient. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health before recommending a treatment.
Existing decay, gum disease or other dental problems may need to be treated before a restoration can be placed.
Your dentist will explain the available options and help you understand which treatment is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Why Choose ēm dental?
At ēm dental, restorative treatment is planned around your individual dental needs and treatment goals. Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and explain the most appropriate options for restoring your smile.
Whether you need to strengthen a damaged tooth, replace a missing tooth or repair a tooth with an inlay or onlay, your treatment plan will be designed around your oral health and the result you want to achieve.
Our aim is to provide comfortable, functional and natural-looking restorations that complement your existing teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a crown and an inlay?
A crown covers and protects the tooth, while an inlay is designed to repair damage within the tooth without covering the entire tooth. Your dentist will assess how much healthy tooth structure remains before recommending the most appropriate restoration.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the damaged area of a tooth, while an onlay can extend over one or more cusps. An onlay may therefore be considered when the damage is more extensive but a full crown is not required.
Can dental bridges replace missing teeth?
Yes. Dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth when the surrounding teeth and oral health are suitable. Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances before recommending bridge treatment.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns can provide long-term protection and restoration, but their lifespan varies depending on oral hygiene, bite forces, the condition of the supporting tooth and other individual factors.
Are dental crowns painful?
Local anaesthetic can be used during crown treatment where required. Some sensitivity or tenderness may occur after treatment, particularly around a prepared tooth, but your dentist will explain what to expect.
Can restorative treatment improve the appearance of my smile?
Yes. Crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays can be designed to complement the colour, shape and proportions of your surrounding teeth. Your dentist will discuss the expected aesthetic result during your consultation.
Book a Restorative Dentistry Consultation
If you have damaged, weakened or missing teeth and are considering crowns, bridges, inlays or onlays, book a consultation at ēm dental. Your dentist can assess your teeth, discuss your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.