What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays are used to fill damage within the grooves of a tooth, covering the chewing surface without extending over the cusps (the tooth’s outer edges). Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, extend over one or more cusps, restoring teeth with more extensive damage. Both inlays and onlays are crafted in our dental lab, ensuring a precise fit and a natural match to your tooth color.

When Are They Recommended?

Our prosthodontists may recommend an inlay or onlay in cases such as:

• Moderate Tooth Decay: Too large for a filling but not needing a full crown.
• Cracks or Fractures: Restores and reinforces the tooth’s structure.
• Replacing Old Fillings: Offers a longer-lasting, stronger alternative.
• Conserving Tooth Structure: Repairs only the damaged portion, preserving more of your natural tooth than crowns.

Key Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

1. Durability and Strength

Our inlays and onlays are made from durable materials like porcelain and composite resin, which can withstand daily biting forces. They are much more durable than traditional fillings, often lasting up to 10 to 30 years with good care.

2. Natural Look and Feel

Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to blend with your tooth color, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. This makes them ideal for teeth visible when you smile, creating a seamless look.

3. Conserves Healthy Tooth Structure

Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, inlays and onlays replace only the damaged portion, leaving more of your healthy tooth intact. This is crucial for preserving tooth strength and health over time.

4. Enhanced Fit and Comfort

Custom-crafted for a perfect fit, inlays and onlays restore the tooth’s function without discomfort. Their precise fit also prevents food particles and bacteria from getting trapped, lowering the risk of future decay.

5. Less Sensitivity

The materials used in inlays and onlays, porcelain and composite resin, closely resemble natural enamel, making them less likely to react to hot and cold foods than metal fillings. This reduces sensitivity and keeps you comfortable.

The Treatment Process

Receiving an inlay or onlay usually involves two visits. During the first, our prosthodontists will remove any damaged areas and take an impression for the lab. A temporary filling is placed on the tooth, and, in the second visit, the custom inlay or onlay is bonded permanently, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.

Caring for Inlays and Onlays

Maintaining inlays and onlays involves brushing twice daily, flossing and regular dental checkups. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or candy to prevent damage, and see our prosthodontists to monitor their condition over time.

Conclusion

Dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative and effective way to restore damaged teeth, combining strength, durability and a natural look. If you are considering this option, talk to our one of our prosthodontists about whether inlays or onlays might be the right solution for achieving a healthier, more radiant smile.

Call to Learn More

Our Denver Restorative Dentistry team in Broomfield, Colorado, encourages you to stay on top of your oral health by scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings and addressing any concerns as soon as they arise. If you would like to know more about how to optimize your smile, please call 303-586-1019 to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled prosthodontists, Drs. Goggins, Aguirre or Chertok.

At-Home Routine (Brush and Floss)

Our prosthodontists and team is a firm believer in preventative care, which begins in the home. Daily brushing and flossing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste will help remove harmful oral plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Sticking to a nutritious diet while limiting sugary and acidic foods and beverages will also protect tooth enamel. You are essentially on the front lines of defense when it comes to protecting your smile, and your teeth and gums will reflect this.

Routine Dental Cleanings and Exams

Your daily oral hygiene care, combined with regular, twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams complement your efforts to protect your smile. During these visits, our prosthodontists will assess your oral health with a detailed dental exam using dental X-rays. A periodontal probing will be done to assess your gum health and to diagnose any signs of gum disease. Dr. Taylor Goggins, Dr. Brian Aguirre and Dr. Anna Pitz want to make sure that any dental conditions or diseases, like tooth decay, bone loss or other dental problems are spotted early so treatment is minimally invasive and most effectively applied.

(Optional) Dental Sealants and Fluoride Treatments

One of our skilled dental hygienists will remove all the hardened tartar from your teeth and around the gum line, and polish your teeth to remove stains to make your tooth enamel shine! Depending on your dental needs, this is also the time when applying dental sealants on the hard to clean molars in the back of the mouth may be done, as well as applying a fluoride treatment if your enamel needs strengthening to keep out cavities. While optional, both dental sealants and fluoride treatments are effective preventative measures to take to ensure a healthier smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about your smile or family members, our experienced team is ready to help! As always, we support healthy beautiful smiles to boost self-confidence!