Crowns, Inlays & Onlays — What's the Difference?
All three are indirect restorations — meaning they're fabricated to fit your tooth precisely, rather than built up directly like a filling. The difference is how much of the tooth they cover.
A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline — used when a tooth is significantly cracked, decayed, or weakened. An onlay covers the damaged portion of the chewing surface and one or more cusps. An inlay sits within the cusps and restores the centre of the chewing surface without extending over the edges.
When an inlay or onlay is appropriate, it's the more conservative choice — preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Choosing the Right Material
Not every tooth needs the same material, and we don't treat them like they do. We use a range of options depending on the location of the tooth, the forces it's under, your gum health, and your preferences.
Zirconia is a common choice for posterior teeth — extremely strong, tooth-coloured, and well-tolerated by gum tissue. It holds up well under heavy chewing forces and looks natural.
Porcelain and ceramic restorations offer excellent aesthetics and are well-suited to visible front teeth where appearance is the priority.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer. They are particularly useful where the crown margin needs to extend below the gumline — offering strength at the margin where it matters most.
Full gold crowns remain one of the most durable and long-lasting options available — especially for back teeth under heavy occlusal load. Some patients specifically request gold for its longevity and its gentle effect on opposing teeth.
We'll always explain which material we're recommending and why, and discuss alternatives so you can make an informed decision.
When Is a Crown, Inlay, or Onlay Recommended?
We typically recommend one of these restorations when a tooth is cracked, has a large or failing filling, has extensive decay, or has been treated with root canal therapy. We'll always confirm the recommendation and walk you through your options before proceeding.
What to Expect
After preparing the tooth, we take a digital scan or impression. The restoration is fabricated at a dental lab and placed at a follow-up appointment. We'll let you know exactly what to expect during your consultation or exam.
Ready to get started?
Office Hours
Monday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Tuesday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Wednesday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Thursday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Friday - 8:00AM - 1:200PM
Closed Weekends and Holidays
Location
2423 Beacon Ave Suite 102, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5, Canada
We are located in the historic Old Post Office building in the heart of Sidney. Our entrance is on Fourth Street — look for the black awning that reads “Dental Hygiene Clinic.”
frequently asked questions
How long do dental fillings last?
Modern composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years with good oral hygiene, though this varies based on the size of the filling and daily wear. It also depends on how complicated the filling is, and where the filling is placed. Fillings along the gumline or fillings that go below the gumline may need to be completed with a different material (because composite is moisture sensitive) and these areas are harder for your toothbrush to reach. Larger fillings can mean there is less natural tooth structure available, which means the remaining tooth is more likely to break in the future. A longer term solution for a tooth that needs a very large filling is to place a crown, which is like a protective armored shell for a tooth.
Are you accepting new patients in Sidney?
Yes, we're currently welcoming new patients at our Sidney, BC dental clinic. You can book online or call our office to get started.
What should I bring to my first appointment as a new patient?
Please bring your dental insurance information and a list of any medications you're currently taking.
Do you see emergency dental patients?
We do our best to accommodate urgent dental issues — call our office directly and let us know you're dealing with a dental emergency so we can find you the earliest available appointment.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last 5-10 years, and often longer with proper care and regular checkups. We have a patient with a 35-year old gold crown!
If I have a cavity, do I need a filling or a crown?
A filling repairs a small area of tooth damage or decay, while a crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth — it's typically used when too much structure is lost for a filling to hold up, or after procedures like a root canal.
How many visits does getting a crown take?
Most crowns require two visits — one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second to place the finished crown once it's been made by the lab. If you're getting multiple crowns at once, or if you are getting crowns on your front teeth, we may require an additional visit to ensure the esthetics are perfect (we do a try-in to allow the lab to make adjustments before the final placement.)
Do you offer direct billing to insurance?
Yes, we direct bill most major insurance providers, so you typically only pay the portion not covered by your plan.
Will my crown look natural?
If you choose a porcelain or zirconia crown, they are custom-shaded and shaped to match your surrounding teeth, so the result blends in with your natural smile. If we are working on a tooth in the very back that you can't see, it may be a better option to do a metal or gold crown instead!
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, we accept CDCP and offer direct billing for eligible patients, so you won't need to pay upfront and claim it back yourself.
Also at Sidney By The Sea Dental
Related Services
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Porcelain Veneers
Looking for a more complete smile transformation? Veneers can address shape, colour, and alignment in one treatment.
Root Canal Treatment
Teeth treated with a root canal typically need a crown to protect them long-term. We handle both.
Dental Bridges
If a tooth can't be saved, a bridge can restore the gap with a fixed, natural-looking result.