Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair decayed or damaged teeth, especially molars and premolars. These options serve as a middle ground between fillings and crowns, making them ideal for patients needing something more durable than a filling but less intensive than a crown. Here is what makes inlays and onlays beneficial for your smile.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.