An inlay or onlay is a partial crown restoration that can be placed when there is not sufficient tooth structure to support a filling but enough tooth structure left that a full crown is not needed. Inlays/onlays are made of porcelain or gold, and they aesthetically and functionally replace the missing tooth structure.
A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers the outside of a tooth that is cracked, broken, worn down, or severely decayed. Dental crowns are usually completed in two visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared (shaved down) and an impression is taken. A temporary crown is placed while the permanent crown is fabricated. During the second visit, the permanent crown is carefully fitted and then cemented into place.
A bridge can replace missing teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. A bridge is composed of two crowns and a replacement tooth or teeth. Crowns are typically placed on the teeth on either side of the space, with the fabricated tooth or teeth attached in between. For multiple missing teeth, an implant may be used to anchor the bridge.
A Nesbit partial denture is a removable, single-tooth replacement prosthesis designed for esthetic purposes. These removable dentures are tooth-supported, relying on adjacent natural teeth for stability. Nesbit appliances are used in cases where a few teeth are missing, providing a cosmetically pleasing solution to ensure aesthetic and functional restoration. They are often used in situations where metal frameworks are not suitable.
