How To Repair Damaged Teeth Using Inlays and Onlays?

When you meet new people, a smile is the first impression you make. Most people strive to have a perfect smile. When you have damaged teeth, there are many ways to treat them. One of the most common procedures is ceramic inlays and onlays. They are ideal procedures since they preserve a lot of your natural teeth.

Inlays and onlays are excellent cosmetic dental procedures to improve your smile. They are very successful and the procedure only takes two visits. When you need inlays or onlays treatment, you should visit a dental office near you such as Great Neck Dental Associates.

Understanding Dental Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are part of cosmetic dentistry. They are both considered conservative teeth restoration techniques since they are minimally invasive and keep as much of your tooth’s natural structure as possible. So, they are used to correct teeth with mild to moderate tooth damage.

They are also effective in repairing chipped or cracked teeth with significant damage beyond repair for a regular filling. There are two popular types of inlays and onlays. They are porcelain and composite resin. Gold is another option but it’s expensive and rare.

The Distinction Between Inlay and Onlay

Although they both look similar and have the same dental procedure, they differ. Inlays repair the surface of the teeth. If your teeth have decay on the cusps, an inlay is an ideal option. Onlays, on the other hand, cover a large area and are thus referred to as partial crowns. Unlike inlays, they install on the cusps. They are located on the biting surface and cover the entire tooth’s surface. Both inlays and onlays replace metal fillings and improve the visual appeal of your teeth.

Procedure for Dental Inlays and Onlays

The procedure of inlays and onlays can usually be completed in only two visits. During the first visit, the area surrounding the tooth is prepared by cleaning it and removing the decayed area. Also, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth to allow the laboratory to mold an inlay or onlay that fits perfectly. A temporary fill is placed in the gap to protect it until the second visit.

On the second visit, they remove the temporary filling and clean the tooth again. The dentist carefully installs the inlay or onlay with a unique adhesive. Once the dentist confirms that the inlay or onlay has bonded into place, you go home with your new smile. Typically, each visit only takes an hour or less.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

• They strengthen the tooth by 75%. Inlays and onlays significantly increase the strength of your tooth. They increase the strength by 25% more than traditional metal fillings. It is because they keep a lot of the natural tooth structure.
• Inlays and onlays are robust. Since they are rigid, solid materials, they are long-lasting. With proper care, they can stay up to 30 years without wear.
• They increase the life of the tooth. Ensuring the tooth does not wear prevents any dental treatment in the future.
• Inlays and onlays are affordable. Compared to other teeth replacement methods such as crowns and dental implants, they are very cost-effective.
• Since the procedures are conducted within two visits, they also save your time. Some dental facilities even offer inlays and onlays treatment in a single appointment.

Conclusion

A dental inlay or onlay is an excellent restoration procedure when repairing moderately damaged teeth. While a dental inlay focuses on restoring between the cusps on the tooth’s surface, a dental Onlay replaces when the entire cusps are damaged.

These procedures are also beneficial when you need to get rid of old fillings.
For More Info:- Dental Inlays & Onlays in Great Neck, NY