Broken or damaged teeth, even if they aren’t causing pain, are guaranteed to become a bigger problem over time if they aren’t treated right away. Many people prefer to avoid the dentist because they fear dental repairs, but inlays and onlays are non-invasive solutions that can eliminate the need for a porcelain crown. This conservative dental restoration is available from Dr. Brigham Baker and his dental team at Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, for multiple oral health complications.
Characteristics of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Some people like to think of dental inlays or onlays as a more advanced dental filling. This assessment is accurate, though inlays are more closely related to fillings while onlays are more like dental crowns. Here is where the solutions are similar:
- Repair teeth with mild to moderate tooth decay.
- Correct broken or damaged teeth.
- Made of porcelain or composite resin.
- Natural looking restorations that blend in with tooth enamel.
The placement of the restorations is one major difference. While inlays are situated on the chewing surface of a tooth, an onlay is much larger and covers the top of a tooth as well as one or more of its cusps. Onlays are sometimes referred to as a partial crowns.
Dental Problems Fixed by Inlays or Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are versatile and usually non-invasive restorations. When you need a quick repair for a minor but noticeable problem, an inlay or onlay may be just the answer. These procedure are most commonly used to repair:
- Old fillings
- Tooth decay
- Chips and cracks
- Gaps
- Dullness or discoloration
- Unstable tooth structure
Inlays and onlays can also be used to stabilize the health and strength of a tooth that threatens to fall into disrepair or exhibits signs of weakness or future problems. Putting a preventive restoration in place minimizes the development of serious oral health complications, toothaches, or the need for major repairs in deteriorating teeth.
How Dental Inlays and Onlays Are Created
Many patients qualify for an inlay or onlay created by the in-office CEREC restoration system. This sophisticated equipment allows your Chandler dentist to create a personalized repair during the same appointment rather than waiting days or weeks for a dental lab to craft a solution off-site.
Direct inlays and onlays are made using 3D computer imagery without any need for impressions, temporary fillings, or multiple dental appointments to complete the repair. Their composition makes them durable and stain resistant.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are not commonly thought about as the most viable dental restoration by patients, but they should be. Dentists rely on these solutions and recommend them whenever appropriate because of their many benefits, including:
- Can repair multiple dental problems.
- Blend into tooth enamel for a natural finish.
- Minimal removal of tooth structure.
- Preserves the tooth in question.
- Do not expand or contract due to temperature.
- Incredibly strong and durable.
- Last decades longer than any other type of filling.
Are You a Good Candidate for an Inlay or Onlay?
Truly, it does not matter what the name of the dental restoration is that’s used to fix your smile. The most important thing is to repair your oral health problem in the most effective, affordable way with a procedure that has strength and longevity. Inlays and onlays fit this need.
Fragile teeth and tough teeth can both benefit from the placement of an inlay or onlay without compromising neighboring teeth. This non-invasive procedure has saved many a tooth and smile from serious dental complications and the threat of big problems.
If you have a troublesome tooth, contact Impressions Dental in Chandler, AZ, immediately to schedule an emergency dental visit. You may discover that you’re an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.
