Do you want to maintain good oral health while also improving your smile? Inlays and onlays are terrific options for anyone looking to fortify their teeth while enhancing their smile’s overall appeal. They are a good and equally reliable alternative to traditional dental fillings. Talk to our dentist near you to learn more.
Inlays: What are They?
In dentistry, an inlay is a filling that has been prefabricated and is bonded into the pits and crevices of a tooth. Cavities often form in or near the center of a tooth instead of along its cusps, making this a smart option.
The process of having an inlay attached to a tooth is both straightforward and painless. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area before your dentist in Sherwood Park drills into the tooth to access and remove the decay that’s formed. After giving the crown of your tooth a careful and thorough cleaning, your dentist will make an impression of it and send it to a lab to be restored.
Inlays for teeth can be crafted from porcelain or composite resin so that they are undetectable next to your natural enamel. Once in place, you won’t even be able to tell that you have them because they are less apparent than standard fillings.
Onlays: What are They?
Onlays are a more considerable dental restoration than inlays but are less extensive than crowns. This structure fits over or on top of the chewing surface of one or more teeth.
The cement used for an inlay can also secure an onlay once it is in place. The onlay can also function as a crown on its own when necessary – this is why they’re also known as partial crowns .
Although it does not entirely replace the tooth, it does cover the vulnerable area, preventing further damage. The design also restores your teeth’ natural form and size, resulting in an improved appearance when you smile.
Which is Best For You?
You might need to acquire inlays and onlays near you for your tooth, depending on the level of damage that has been done to it. A dentist will use dental x-rays to obtain a three-dimensional image of your tooth and determine which method is most appropriate for your case. They will also take impressions of your tooth so the structure fits perfectly and does not come loose.
Once they’ve been made at the dental lab, you’ll come back for a follow up appointment. Your tooth will be meticulously cleaned so no debris interferes with the treatment. The inlay or onlay will be placed and sealed in place. Finally, your dentist may polish the site to give it a nice shine and ensure a smooth finish.
How Long Will They Last?
Your inlay or onlay will continue to function well for many years, regardless of the material your dentist recommends for your teeth. The general lifespan of these structures range between 10 and 15 years before needing to be repaired or replaced. In many instances, inlays and onlays in Sherwood Park may have a longer lifespan than a standard filling.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Restorative dentistry offers recipients long-lasting and durable treatments for damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays are particularly useful if a regular dental filling isn’t appropriate.
Our experts working here at Aspire Dental can help you regain the functionality of your smile. We promise fast, painless, and affordable services to patients of all ages. We take pride in being a part of many unique dental journeys!
Contact us to learn more about getting inlays and onlays today.