Repair Your Tooth and Restore Your Smile with Little-known Dental Inlays and Onlays
Tooth decay or damage comes in several shapes and sizes. Small cavities are easily treatable with dental fillings, while significant damage can be fixed with dental crowns. But what if the damage is too big for a filling but too small for a crown? Dental inlays and onlays are excellent for these in-between cases. Artfully placed at Dental Arts of Chandler, in Chandler, Arizona, dental inlays and onlays repair moderate tooth damage while preserving much of the natural structure.
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental onlays and inlays are very similar to dental fillings. They fill out areas damaged by dental decay. An inlay repairs damage within a tooth’s cusps (raised parts). An onlay covers a larger area, extending to one or more cusps.
Both restorations are created from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite. Once placed, they blend seamlessly with your tooth to create undetectable outcomes. Unlike crowns, indirect fillings achieve maximum retention without the need to remove a significant portion of your tooth.
How are indirect fillings placed?
Traditional fillings are direct restorations done in a single appointment in your dentist’s office. In contrast, inlays and onlays require a two-step process involving at least two visits.
At your first appointment, the dentist will assess your tooth to determine if it is appropriate for an inlay or an onlay. If it’s suitable, the dentist will carefully remove any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and take precise scans to create a custom restoration. This restoration typically takes about two weeks to prepare, during which time a temporary filling will protect your tooth.
At your follow-up appointment, your dentist will take out the temporary filling and assess how well your inlay or onlay fits and looks. If everything is fine, the restoration will be secured and put in place using durable adhesives. Before you leave, the dentist will polish the restoration and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels comfortable.
What are the benefits of dental onlays and inlays?
A dental onlay or inlay is a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration for repairing damaged or decayed teeth. Here are the key benefits you can expect:
- Stronger teeth: Indirect fillings are made from strong materials like porcelain or composite resin, providing long-lasting support for weakened teeth.
- Conservative approach: One of the notable benefits of dental inlays and onlays is their conservative nature. They preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to traditional crowns.
- Custom fit: We craft these restorations to fit your tooth perfectly, enhancing functionality and comfort.
- Natural appearance: Tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with your smile, making them virtually undetectable.
- Resistance to wear: They are highly resistant to everyday use, which is ideal for restoring posterior teeth.
- Convenient maintenance: Keeping your inlay or onlay healthy and strong requires no special maintenance. Brush and floss your teeth routinely and visit your dentist biannually for routine check-ups and cleanings.
Who offers dental inlays and onlays in Chandler, Arizona?
Do you have tooth damage that’s too significant for a filling but doesn’t warrant a crown? Call (480) 442-4894 and discover your suitability for a dental onlay or inlay. Dental Arts of Chandler is renowned for placing high-quality restorations—why go elsewhere?
