Dental Filling Options-Cosmetic Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are indirect filling options your cosmetic dentist can perform on damaged teeth. They are the more traditional alternatives to crown restoration, which is also used to treat a decayed or damaged tooth. They are the longer lasting, stronger and many times better fitting solution to tooth decay problems. Cosmetic dental inlays and onlays can be used in place of the old type of dental fillings. While your dentist inserts or installs traditional fillings directly in your mouth, inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly in a dentist’s lab and then bonded to your tooth or teeth using cosmetic dental bonding.
Inlays and Onlays Defined
The kind of restoration which is done within the center of the tooth is termed as inlay while one done when the extent of damage is greater and when it requires the cusp of the tooth or the entire biting surface of the tooth, then it is termed as an onlay.
There are many benefits of implementing dental inlays and onlays instead of other methods of restoration. These methods provide a superior fit. They try to preserve as much of the tooth. Therefore, if damage to the tooth or decay is minimal, then a lot of times it is best to set it right with either an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays will generally maintain their color as tooth colored resin fillings do after a while. The structure of the tooth is safeguarded if you choose to repair damage using an inlay or onlay. These restorative tools preserve much of the healthy tooth, thus promoting natural longevity of the tooth. The tooth is tailored at the edges and the preparation for an inlay and onlay is minimum. It becomes easier to clean when compared to alternatives such as dental crown or composite fillings. This alternative for restoration is very strong, stable and long lasting. An added advantage of an onlay is that it can protect the weak areas of a damaged tooth and full on reshaping on the tooth is not required.
How Does the Cosmetic Inlay or Onlay Installation Work?
The procedure to fit inlays or onlays generally takes two sittings. In the first sitting, the cosmetic dentist prepares the damaged tooth and a mold of it is taken and sent to the laboratory wherein an inlay or an onlay is fabricated. These restorative tools can be made using porcelain, gold or even resin materials. The difference will only be visible after the procedure is complete. A provisional or temporary inlay or onlay can be placed at this stage, which will protect the damaged tooth until the final inlay, or onlay is fabricated and fitted. In the final visit, this temporary inlay or onlay is removed while the real inlay or onlay is attached.
Dental inlays and onlays are reliable cosmetic dental damage restorative tools, which seldom fail. Your dentist can take all measures to ensure a smooth, tight fit especially around the corners of the tooth. A good dentist will also check your biting tendency to see that there are no occlusion problems affecting the borders of the inlay or onlay. Once the inlay or onlay is fitted, it is bonded to the tooth and the margins are polished to give that smooth and natural look to your teeth to help improve your smile.
Related posts:
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures and Information
- How Does Cosmetic Dental Bonding Work?
- What Are Dental Veneers?
[...] Inlays/Onlays: This is also known as getting an indirect filling. Inlays or Onlays are made from a composite material or from porcelain and are a nicer looking way to fill teeth that have undergone significant toot decay. Inlays and Onlays are made in a dental lab before they are fitted and bonded to your toot or teeth by your dentist. [...]
[...] Dental Filling Options-Cosmetic Dental Inlays and Onlays [...]