Crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays.
A crown covers and strengthens a damaged tooth; a bridge replaces a missing tooth using the teeth on either side; inlays and onlays repair part of a tooth. At MCDI, each is designed from digital scans. We 3D-print long-term temporary crowns and bridges in our office, and most final crowns are made by a dental lab in ceramic or zirconia.
When a tooth needs a crown, inlay, or onlay.
A crown is often recommended for a tooth with a large filling, a crack, heavy wear, or after a root canal. When only part of the tooth needs rebuilding, an inlay or onlay can conserve more of your natural tooth. Dr. Patel will explain what he recommends and whether a smaller repair would do.
Printed temporaries, made here.
After your tooth is prepared, we design a temporary crown or bridge from your scans and 3D-print it in our office. These long-term temporaries protect the tooth and let you get used to the shape and bite while your final restoration is made.
Final crowns: ceramic and zirconia.
Most final crowns are made by a dental lab in ceramic or zirconia, materials with a long clinical track record. Printed crown materials are newer, and their long-term performance is still being established, so we mostly use them for long-term temporaries. Dr. Patel will tell you which material he recommends for your tooth and why.
Bridges for a missing tooth.
A tooth-supported bridge fills a gap with a replacement tooth held by crowns on the neighboring teeth, which are shaped to support it. An implant bridge is another option when several teeth are missing, and a single implant replaces one tooth without involving the neighbors. We’ll walk through the tradeoffs with you.
Questions
Are your crowns made in the office?
We 3D-print long-term temporary crowns and bridges in our office. Most final crowns are made by a dental lab in ceramic or zirconia.
Why do you use a lab for most final crowns?
Ceramic and zirconia have a long clinical track record. Printed materials are newer, so we mostly use them for long-term temporaries.
Do you offer inlays and onlays?
Yes. Inlays and onlays repair part of a tooth when a full crown isn’t needed.
Should I get a bridge or an implant?
It depends on the neighboring teeth, your bone, and your goals. Dr. Patel explains both options and the tradeoffs.
Cracked or broken tooth? Call us or book online. (630) 766-0115.