Transforming your smile with veneers, crowns, or bridges is an effective way to replace lost tooth structure or enhance the shape, size, and colour of your teeth for a natural and beautiful result. Here’s a breakdown of each type and what they offer:

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of composite or porcelain bonded to the front of the teeth. Ideal for repairing worn teeth, closing gaps, or masking discoloration, veneers give a natural appearance thanks to porcelain’s lifelike qualities. Veneers can also be combined with other treatments, such as whitening or invisible braces, to achieve optimal results.

Benefits: Restores lost tooth structure, offers an aesthetic, natural appearance, and resists staining.
Limitations: Minor tooth reduction often required, can chip under excessive force, and requires regular maintenance.
Sometimes non-prep veneers can be made, meaning without removing any tooth structure and purely additive depending on the case.
Lifespan: Veneers typically last 10-15 years, with proper care.
Maintenance: Routine oral hygiene practices are essential, along with regular dental check-ups.

Crowns

Crowns cover the visible part of a tooth, restoring both function and aesthetics. They’re a great solution when a tooth is severely damaged, helping protect the remaining tooth structure.

Types:
• All-ceramic crowns: Fully porcelain, ideal for natural aesthetics in the front teeth.
• Metal-ceramic crowns: Made of durable metal core with a porcelain exterior.
Benefits: Provides strength and durability, restores biting function, and matches natural teeth in appearance.
Procedure: Typically requires two visits – the first to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and the second to place the final crown.
Maintenance: Good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent decay at the crown margins.

Bridges

Bridges are designed to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighbouring teeth. They’re custom-made for a natural look and provide support to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth.

Benefits: Fixed in place for comfort, supports surrounding teeth, restores biting and chewing function.
Limitations: Requires sufficient healthy teeth on either side of the gap, harder to clean between bridgework.
Procedure: Involves reshaping adjacent teeth to support the bridge and placement in two visits.
Lifespan: Bridges generally last around 15 years with proper care.

Onlays & Inlays

Onlays and inlays are durable restorative solutions for teeth that are damaged but do not require a full crown. These restorations, sometimes referred to as “partial crowns,” aim to preserve more of the natural tooth structure while restoring its function, strength, and appearance. Both onlays and inlays are custom-made to fit precisely in the prepared area of the tooth, providing a seamless and long-lasting result.

‍What are Onlays and Inlays?

Inlays fit within the cusps (outer edges) of a tooth, usually used for cavities or damage on the biting surface that doesn't reach beyond the cusps.

‍Onlays cover one or more cusps, extending over the edges of the tooth, which makes them ideal for larger areas of decay or damage.

Both inlays and onlays are available in materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain and resin are often preferred for their tooth-colored appearance, blending well with natural teeth, while gold offers exceptional durability.

‍Why Choose Inlays or Onlays?

These restorations are excellent options for maintaining as much of the natural tooth as possible, offering protection and durability comparable to full crowns but with a more conservative approach.

‍Tooth Preservation: Only the damaged part of the tooth is removed, preserving the healthy structure.
‍Durability and Strength: Inlays and onlays provide excellent strength, especially for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
‍Aesthetic Benefits: Tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin provide a natural look that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
‍Precise Fit: Custom-made to the tooth, inlays and onlays reduce the likelihood of bacteria entering, minimizing future decay.