Reinforcing
& Restoring Teeth

When a tooth is weakened or heavily restored, crowns and onlays help rebuild strength and function while preserving what remains.

Not all damaged teeth need to be removed or replaced.

In many cases, a tooth can be reinforced and restored to function well for years. Crowns and onlays are used when a simple filling is no longer sufficient, helping to protect the tooth from further breakdown.

What are Crowns & Onlays?

Crowns

Used when a tooth is more extensively weakened, covering the entire tooth to provide strength and protection.

Onlays

Used when part of the tooth is damaged, allowing us to restore only the affected portion while preserving more natural tooth structure.

When are they needed?

Crowns or onlays may be recommended when:

A tooth has a large filling or fracture
There is significant wear or breakdown
A tooth has undergone root canal treatment
A filling alone is unlikely to provide long-term stability

Choosing the Right Level of Treatment

Treatment is not always about doing more.

Where possible, we aim to preserve as much natural tooth structure as we can. In some cases, an onlay may be sufficient. In others, a crown may be more appropriate to provide long-term strength.

The decision depends on:

The amount of remaining tooth structure
Bite forces and function
Long-term durability

Materials & Fabrication

Crowns and onlays are fabricated using high-strength ceramic materials selected based on the clinical situation.

Commonly used materials include:

Zirconia – a durable ceramic suited for areas requiring higher strength
Lithium disilicate – a tooth-coloured ceramic that offers a balance of strength and aesthetics

Material selection depends on the location of the tooth, functional demands, and aesthetic considerations.

In most cases, restorations are designed and fabricated within our in-house laboratory.

This allows for:

Greater control over design and fit
Closer communication between clinical and laboratory stages
Adjustments that are guided by both function and aesthetics

Being involved in both the clinical and laboratory stages allows us to better anticipate how a restoration will function in reality, not just on screen.

How They Fit Into Overall Treatment

Crowns and onlays are often part of a broader treatment plan.

For example:

After root canal treatment, a crown may be placed to reinforce the tooth
In some cases, tooth position may influence how a restoration is designed

Treatment is planned with the overall outcome in mind, not just the individual tooth.

What to Expect

Crowns and onlays are used to restore and protect teeth that are weakened or damaged. Each restoration is carefully designed to fit comfortably and blend naturally with your smile, helping you regain strength and function with confidence.