Tooth Restorations - Fillings / Onlays / Crowns
Restorative Dentistry is the use of various dental materials, such as cosmetic resin (bonding), porcelain, and precious metals that are used to repair damaged teeth or to replace defective or unsightly fillings.
Tooth-colored Resins (Bonding)
Composite Resin Fillings are directly placed and are an alternative to silver/mercury fillings. Resin fillings are actually "bonded" to tooth structure and seal better than silver/mercury type fillings. They require removal of less tooth structure and blend in with the surrounding tooth enamel. Unlike silver/mercury fillings, composite resin fillings do not expand and contract over time. which contributes to crack formation in the tooth structure. Although resin fillngs wear similarly to silver /mercury fillings, Bonded Resin Fillings are best used for filling smaller cavities and silver/mercury filling replacements since they are not as durable as laboratory-made restorations.
Before After
Resin or Porcelain Inlays / Onlays 
For larger cavities or silver/mercury replacements, laboratory-made composite resin or porcelain restorations are recommended. Inlays and Onlays are more conservative than a full crown. They replace only a portion of the tooth rather than cover the entire tooth. After taking a mold or impression of your teeth, these restorations are fabricated in a laboratory under heat and pressure. At a second appointment, the Inlay or Onlay is bonded into the tooth. Once placed, these custom-made restorations not only strengthen the tooth, but look very natural.
Before After
CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE RESTORATION
The choice of material and type of restoration used to restore your teeth will depend on the amount of tooth structure that needs to be repaired or replaced. The more tooth structure that is being restored or replaced usually determines the kind of material used and the type of restoration recommended. The larger the restoration, the stronger the material used needs to be in order to protect the tooth. Consideration is also given to the cosmetic appearance of the restored tooth or teeth.
SMALLMEDIUMLARGE
Tooth-colored Resin Inlay / Onlay Crown
Crowns made of porcelain, precious metal or a combination
CROWNS PLACED ON UPPER FRONT TEETH
CROWNS PLACED ON BACK TEETH
EXAMPLE OF A CROWN BEING PLACED ONTO A TOOTH