Inlays and Crowns are both methods to repair teeth with significant damage. Teeth may be broken cracked or worn down. In these cases, more than a normal filling is necessary to repair the teeth.

Veneers are primarily a cosmetic procedure which will brighten the appearance of the smile. They may also even up crooked teeth to an extent.

Crowns

A crown is a cap for your tooth. It is needed when there is quite significant damage to your tooth. For example, it may be missing a portion, be severely worn down, broken or generally lacking structural support. When that’s the case, a normal filling won’t be enough. As with inlays, a crown will be customised to fit you and will be shaped in a laboratory. Similarly, the process will take place over two appointments. On the first appointment, Dr St George will do the following:

• Prepare the tooth
• Take impressions of the tooth shape
• Place a temporary crown

The impressions will go to the laboratory where they will shape a new tooth which sits over your eroded tooth like a cap. On your second appointment:

• The permanent crown will be bonded to your tooth

What type of crown?

Traditionally crowns were made of gold. While that has some merits, many people now prefer to opt for a natural looking porcelain crown. Of these options, it’s possible to have porcelain fused to metal. The metal does add some durability and strength. However, over time, a receding gum line can reveal the metal. A gold crown or porcelain fused with metal option may be worthwhile if the patient tends to grind or clench the teeth, or just has a very strong bite. In many cases, however, an all-ceramic crown will suit. The appearance will be natural and blend with the other teeth. The thinner material is suitable for smaller spaces than the traditional metal. Dr St George will talk through your options to find the best solution for you.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that covers your front teeth. They are similar to a false fingernail or facade on a house, in concept. Veneers brighten and cover over worn, chipped or discoloured teeth. They are made in a laboratory to custom-fit your visible front teeth. The porcelain is very thin but very strong and durable and will brighten up your smile.

Inlays

Inlays are customised porcelain fillings, shaped to fill a gap or severely worn area of a tooth. They are used to repair larger cavities when there is not enough tooth structure to support a normal filling. These special customised porcelain inlays are bonded onto the tooth to protect it and strengthen the structure.

Should you need an inlay, the procedure will take place over two appointments. On the first appointment, Dr St George will do the following:

• Prepare the tooth
• Take impressions of the tooth shape
• Place a temporary inlay

The impressions will then go to a laboratory where your specially shaped inlay will be formed. On your second appointment:

• The permanent porcelain inlay will be bonded to your tooth