Dental Inlays and Onlays at Albany Place Dental Practice
What Are They?
Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked and fractured teeth that are not sufficiently damaged to need a crown.
Ideal candidates for inlay or onlay work typically have too much damage or decay in the tooth structure to be successfully treated using a filling, but have sufficient healthy tooth remaining to avoid the need for a crown. This allows us to conserve more of the patient’s original tooth structure.
Other benefits to inlays and onlays in comparison to metal fillings include:
- Inlays and onlays are durable — they’re made from tough, hard-wearing materials which last up to 30 years.
- They help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent, unlike traditional metal fillings which can actually reduce the strength of the teeth by up to 50 percent.
- Inlays and onlays prolong tooth life and prevent the need for more dental treatment in the future.
The Practice Visit
During treatment the dentist removes the old fillings under local anesthesia and takes an impression of the tooth, which is sent to the dental laboratory. The new inlay or onlay is made from this mold in porcelain, gold or composite resin material. The inlay or onlay is then cemented into place at the next appointment. The inlay or onlay blends successfully with the treated tooth and the rest of the teeth to achieve a natural, uniform appearance.
It takes two appointments for the inlays and onlays treatment to be completed and to be finally bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are typically made of porcelain.
Ready to Book?
If you think you may be a candidate or would like to learn more about the treatment, please contact our practice today to get started. We look forward to speaking with you!
