Innovations in medicine have allowed for new and improved procedures that offer a lasting benefit for patient’s smiles. Our team at Gentle Family Dentistry is experienced in a wide range of procedures, including those that are preventative, restorative, and cosmetic. Dental inlays and onlays touch on all three of these services and are preferred by many individuals. What are inlays and onlays? Continue reading on to find out more and see how they can improve your smile!
What are dental inlays?
Inlays are typically used for patients in need of correcting the decay found in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They are also recommended when the decay is too large for a simple dental filling. Dental inlays do a better job at expanding to the individual tooth’s needs. They offer extra strength and support to the smile.
What are dental onlays?
Onlays are similar to inlays while they help to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay. Onlays are often recommended for teeth that have one or more damaged cusps. A cusp is the raised point on the edge of the tooth. An onlay procedure is best done when the rest of the tooth’s structure is enough to cover crowning. Both inlays and onlays can be created from many materials, including porcelain and gold.
How are dental inlays and onlays made?
Both dental inlays and onlays may require more than one visit to your dental office. This is because your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and send it in to a lab. Here they will create a final, custom restoration that perfectly fits your tooth. Some restorations using porcelain can be completed in just one visit to your dental office with the help of special machines that act quicker.
Are you in need of a dental restoration that will provide your teeth with extra support and security? Contact our team at Gentle Family Dentistry for more information on dental inlays and onlays or to set up your next dental exam with a member of our staff today!