Inlays and Onlays

What Are Inlays And Onlays?

If your teeth have been affected by decay, high-impact injuries, or structural weakness, we can restore them with inlays and onlays. These are tooth-colored restorations that are custom-designed to restore the form and functions of your damaged teeth. They are fabricated from porcelain, a highly aesthetic material that resembles the natural shade and translucency of teeth.

Inlays and onlays differ in the extent of coverage they provide for a damaged tooth. Inlays are designed to cover only the central portion of the tooth, excluding the cusps, which are the raised edges of the tooth structure. Onlays, however, extend to cover a larger area, including one or more of the cusps. Our cosmetic dentist will determine the most suitable option based on the size of the cavity. Both inlays and onlays are more conservative compared to dental crowns, as the procedure is less invasive and helps preserve more of your natural tooth enamel.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

There are various benefits of getting your teeth restored with our customized inlays and onlays. These restorations are an ideal solution for those who are looking for a less invasive dental treatment than crowns. The advantages of this treatment include:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The shade of porcelain we choose for designing these restorations closely resembles your natural teeth, giving a seamless finish to your smile.
• Minimally invasive: Unlike some other dental treatments that require the removal of tooth enamel, this procedure is less invasive. We only need to trim the decayed part, hence preserving much of the natural tooth structure.
• Durable: These restorations have high resilience and can withstand the pressure of chewing and biting forces. That’s why they can effectively restore molars and premolars.
• Custom-fit: Each inlay and onlay is customized to be a perfect fit for your damaged or decayed tooth. This ensures long-term results and improved functioning.

What Is The Process of Inlays and Onlays?

The process of inlays and onlays takes two comfortable visits at our dental practice. Here are the key steps of the procedure.

Initial Consultation

At the start of the treatment, you will have a detailed consultation with our skilled dentist. During this visit, we will assess the condition of your damaged teeth and determine whether they can be restored with inlays or onlays. Unlike dental fillings, inlays and onlays are prepared in a lab, which is why they are also called indirect restorations.

Tooth Preparation

Once we have finalized the treatment plan, we will start the process by using a local anesthetic to avoid pain during tooth preparation. After numbing the area, we will remove decay or old filling material and shape your tooth to prepare it for the restoration. We will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to the lab along with the necessary specifications. In the meantime, our dentist will place a temporary filling to protect your tooth while your custom inlay or onlay is being fabricated. This step may take one to two weeks.

Placement of The Restoration

When your customized inlay or onlay is ready, you will return for a second visit. We will remove the temporary filling and check the fit and color of the restoration. After ensuring a proper fit, we will bond the inlay or onlay to your tooth and make any necessary adjustments. Finally, we will polish the restoration to ensure it feels comfortable and aligns properly with your bite. Unlike silver fillings, these restorations will blend completely with your natural teeth.

Caring For Inlays and Onlays

After the procedure, our dentists will provide you with comprehensive care instructions to maximize the longevity of inlays and onlays. You can start a normal diet shortly after the procedure, but we advise avoiding hard and sticky foods that might damage or break the restoration. Also, avoid using your restored teeth to open bottle caps or jar lids, as excessive pressure can also cause damage.

Although porcelain inlays and onlays are inherently resistant to staining, it is still better to limit the consumption of foods and beverages that may discolor your teeth. Maintain regular brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup. We also recommend scheduling routine checkups to ensure that your teeth and dental work remain in good shape. With proper care, your custom restorations can last for many years!

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Schedule A Consultation With Us

Tooth cavities or dental injuries may ruin the appearance of your teeth, but we can restore their form and functions with our customized inlays and onlays. If you are interested in our restorative dentistry treatments, contact our practice today to schedule an appointment.