The friendliest DENTAL TEAM in Tauranga!


An OVC is a hybrid-ceramic restoration that is stronger than a white composite filling, but not as strong as a laboratory-made crown. It covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth and is bonded into place.

Typically, OVC’s are placed on teeth where a side of a tooth has fallen off, e.g. a cusp, or a heavily filled tooth. They can only be placed on premolars and molars, i.e. your back chewing teeth behind your canines.

An impression of your tooth is taken at the first visit so your custom-made OVC can be manufactured. 

At the preparation appointment, the old filling is entirely removed and the cusp heights reduced to place the overlay. The OVC is placed, any excess material removed and polished, and then is bonded into place.

The benefit of this procedure is that once the tooth is prepared, the OVC is bonded into place that same day. It will add strength to the tooth straight away.

The tooth needs to have sufficient enamel to bond to, otherwise a crown may be a better longer-lasting option. Your dentist will advise if you can have an OVC or if a composite crown or a lab-made crown is the better option.

Here is some more information on the OVC manufacturer’s website.

Natalie Thompson  
Ali Uden  
Sian Casserly  
Steve Bolt  
Kristy Whitchelo  
Louise Fox  
Jess Lowcher  
David Weaver  
Jez Rogers  
Helen Roberts