About

About Crowns, Veneers & Onlays.

Crowns, veneers, and onlays are restorative and cosmetic treatments used to repair or improve the appearance and strength of damaged or weakened teeth.

We may recommend a crown, onlay, or veneer when a tooth is too weak to be repaired with a regular filling, to adequately seal the tooth following a root-canal treatment, or for cosmetic reasons (to change the shape, size, or colour of a tooth). This can be due to large decay or damage, a crack or fracture in the tooth, or previous extensive treatment such as a large filling or root canal.

FAQ's

Helpful answers to your questions.

We will gently shape the tooth to make room for the crown, onlay, or veneer—like fitting a hat over the tooth. A temporary cover will be placed to protect the tooth while your final one is being custom-made, which usually takes 2–3 weeks. You’ll return for a second appointment to have the final restoration fitted.

  • Visit the dentist regularly and have your teeth cleaned professionally.
  • Use floss or interdental brushes to keep the area around the restoration clean.
  • There is a small risk of chipping/breakage over time which it may not be possible to repair.

While we do everything to ensure a successful result, no dental procedure is guaranteed. Sometimes the tooth may already be too damaged for a long-term fix. Future problems like toothache or infection are possible, and the tooth might eventually need more treatment or removal.

  • Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours. Avoid chewing on that side and do not eat or drink anything hot until the numbness goes away.
  • Your gums may be sore for a few days.
  • A temporary restorationwhich will feel different to what you are used to. You will need to eat & clean carefully on this side until the permanent restoration is placed.

At your final visit, we’ll show you the finished crown, onlay, or veneer before placing it permanently. Once you agree it looks and feels right, we will cement it in place. If you later decide you want to change it, it can be replaced, but you will need to pay the full cost again.

When the final restoration is tried in, if you or the dentist feel that it is unsatisfactory, we will send it back to the technician for alteration and you will be re-fitted with the temporary restoration & re-booked for another fitting appointment.

Common risks:

  • Numbness that lasts longer than expected
  • Soreness or injury to nearby teeth, gums, or soft tissue (cheeks, tongue, lips)
  • Tooth sensitivity for a while
  • The tooth may be harder to clean if we can’t fully restore its original shape
  • You may need an adjustment to your bite later
  • Approximately 20% of teeth with a crown/onlay placed need a root-canal treatment within 10 years
  • Dislodged/loose temporary restoration. You will need to return to the practice to have this re-cemented

Rare but possible risks:

  • Allergic reaction to materials used
  • Prolonged numbness/altered sensation of the area or surrounding tissues following the anaesthetic wearing off
  • Fracture of the porcelain

  1. Referral to a specialistwith advanced techniques and training
  2. Different treatment, such as removing the tooth
  3. No treatment, which carries a high risk of the tooth breaking, becoming painful, or getting infected

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real Smiles

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Lydia

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Sam

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Hailey

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Catherine

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Daniel

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Jake

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