The Advantages of Dental Inlays and Onlays

When you need to fix tooth decay or damage, dental inlays and onlays are a great alternative to regular fillings. These are indirect fillings created in a dental lab and later attached to your tooth.

Think of them as custom puzzle pieces that perfectly fit into the space left when decayed or damaged tooth tissue is removed. Unlike traditional fillings, dental inlays and onlays can help strengthen and protect the tooth structure. This gives you a long-lasting solution that looks good too.

The Basics of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are types of fillings made outside your mouth. They are then attached to your tooth. This differs from a direct filling, which is put into the tooth during your dental visit.

Inlays are used when the damage is just in the grooves of your tooth. A good part of the cusp is still there. They work like a solid piece that fits your tooth’s shape, helping restore its look and function.

Onlays are for larger areas of damage that include one or more cusps of your tooth. You can think of onlays as partial crowns. They cover the biting surface and go over the cusps to give strong protection.

How They Differ from Traditional Fillings

Traditional fillings made of composite resin or metal are directly placed in cavities during a dental visit, but they may weaken tooth structure over time.

In contrast, inlays and onlays, crafted from materials like porcelain or ceramic, are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely. Bonded as a solid piece, they are more durable and better withstand biting pressure, helping prevent decay and maintaining tooth health for years.

The Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

Choosing dental inlays or onlays has many benefits for your teeth and your smile. These restorations are strong and match your natural tooth color, improving the look of your smile.

The process of putting inlays and onlays is made for your comfort. It is a gentle method that keeps more of your natural tooth structure intact. This helps you have better oral health over time compared to traditional fillings.

Enhanced Durability for Long-Term Use

Due to their ceramic materials, inlays and onlays are highly durable and ideal for fixing heavily damaged teeth. Their strength prevents cracks and breaks, ensuring long-term dental health. Additionally, they resist stains, maintaining a healthy and attractive smile for years to come.

Aesthetic Advantages for a Natural Smile

Inlays and onlays do not just support your teeth; they also look great. They are made from materials like porcelain and composite resin that are the same color as your teeth, making them fit in perfectly. You will have a natural-looking smile that can lift your confidence.

You can also have inlays and onlays specially made to match the exact color and look of your natural teeth. This careful work means that no one will notice your dental work.

Unlike traditional fillings that can stand out because of color, inlays and onlays offer a subtle fix. They help restore the beauty of your smile in a way that looks nice and lasts a long time. This makes them a great choice for anyone wanting to improve dental flaws while keeping things looking good.

Preserving More of Your Natural Tooth Structure

A big benefit of dental inlays and onlays is that they are conservative. Unlike dental crowns, which take away more of your tooth, inlays and onlays keep more of your natural tooth structure. This is helpful when fixing small tooth decay or damage that doesn’t greatly affect the cusps of your tooth.

By keeping more of your natural tooth, inlays and onlays help make it stronger. This is important for your long-term oral health. It can lower the chances of future problems, such as tooth sensitivity or needing more dental work.

Also, maintaining natural tooth structure helps the health of nearby teeth and gums, leading to a healthier and more effective smile.

The Procedure Explained

Getting dental inlays or onlays usually requires two visits to the dentist. The dentist prepares the tooth and takes a mold on the first visit. Then, on the second visit, the permanent restoration is placed.

Your dentist will ensure you feel comfortable and understand each step throughout your visits. The process is typically easy and quick, helping to fix your smile without much waiting time.

Step-by-Step Process of Getting an Inlay or Onlay

The process of getting an inlay or onlay focuses on making you comfortable and providing effective treatment. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the steps:

First Visit:

• Local anesthetic: Your dentist will start by giving you a local anesthetic. This will numb the area around your affected tooth so you feel comfortable during the procedure.
• Tooth preparation: Then, any decayed or damaged parts of your tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be readied for the inlay or onlay.
• Impression of your tooth: Next, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth. This creates a precise model for making your custom inlay or onlay.
• Temporary filling: A temporary filling will be placed in your tooth to protect it while your permanent restoration is made.

Second Visit:

• Placement of the inlay or onlay: The temporary filling will be taken out at this visit. The custom inlay or onlay will then be carefully fitted and bonded to your tooth.
• Bite adjustment: Your dentist will check how your bite aligns. They will make any adjustments needed to ensure it feels comfortable and works well.
• Final steps: When the inlay or onlay is secure, it will be polished. This will help it blend in with your natural tooth.

Aftercare: Ensuring the Longevity of Your Dental Work

Proper aftercare is critical to extending the life of your dental inlays or onlays. To keep your restoration clean and healthy, you should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day.

Going to the dentist for cleanings and checkups regularly also matters. Your dentist will monitor your inlay or onlay to ensure it stays in good shape and treats any problems before they get worse.

Also, pay attention to what you eat. Try to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that might harm or pull out your inlay or onlay. If you follow these easy aftercare steps, you can enjoy your dental inlay or onlay for many years. This will help keep your oral health in good condition and your smile looking great.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re interested in exploring dental inlays or onlays, contact Creekside Family Dental now. Our specialists can provide you with more details about the benefits, considerations, and relevant pricing. Go online or call us today.