Damage to teeth cannot always be repaired with a standard filling. In such instances, we may recommend the placement of a lifelike inlay, onlay, or dental crown. These restorations are designed to replicate natural tooth structure as closely as possible. The result is an attractive smile and a protected tooth.

Inlays and onlays

Inlays and onlays fall between fillings and full crowns. They could be considered an indirect filling because they are not formed on the tooth but rather made in a dental lab from a model created in our office. Inlays are restorations that replace damaged structure within the points, or cusps, of a tooth. When the area of damage extends over one or more of these points, an onlay is fabricated from durable, tooth-colored material. Inlays and onlays are bonded to the teeth, creating a solid structure that lasts for years. We utilize our CEREC machine to fabricate inlays and onlays as well.

Crowns

Full coverage dental crowns fit over the entire visible surface of a damaged tooth. This type of restoration can be crafted from a number of materials. Many of our patients choose metal-free options that look and feel like real teeth. However, high noble gold is also an excellent option for long lasting structural support. Gold remains one of the strongest and longest lasting dental materials available, making a gold crown is a sound investment.

Bridges

Dental bridges are designed to replace a missing tooth or teeth. There are several types to choose from, with the fixed bridge the most popular. Fixed bridges involve covering two healthy teeth on either side of the space with crowns. These teeth anchor the artificial tooth or teeth into place. Because the artificial tooth sits on top of the gums, a bit of extra care is required to maintain a dental bridge. With good care, this restoration can last a long time.

Cerec

We are happy to offer CEREC restorations. Our in-house milling center allows us to prepare teeth and design and fabricate beautiful restorations in a single visit. The natural-looking inlays, onlays and crowns made by the CEREC system are carved from high quality ceramic material, leading to durability that lasts for years. CEREC is a CAD/CAM technology, which enables us to digitally scan the tooth for impression and then wirelessly transmit the image for milling for the restoration.

Many of our patients choose to learn which materials are right for their body via biocompatibility testing. This precision lab work allows us to formulate a list of materials we can and cannot use in order to promote optimal health and wellness.

Contact Maine Center for Dental Medicine today to learn more about your options for restorative care.