You’re probably familiar with dental crowns, a procedure that repairs damaged teeth. Your dentist near Middletown, Ohio, might have recommended a crown to restore a tooth. However, dental crowns require the removal of a moderate amount of tooth material, and the removal of tooth structure can reduce the tooth’s strength over time.

Inlays and onlays are alternative tooth restoration methods used when you don’t need the full coverage of a crown. These are excellent restoration options that preserve more of the natural tooth structure and maintain your smile’s beauty.

Your dental team will determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best option based on the amount of damage the tooth has sustained and its location. Either option will provide a practical solution to restore your teeth.

What are inlays and onlays?

It might be hard to spot the slight differences between inlays and onlays. Both are restorative dentistry procedures used for molars and premolars when a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling but not to the extent that it needs a crown.

Dental inlays and onlays are made from natural-looking porcelain or ceramic. In cases where more strength is needed, gold may be used instead. Inlays and onlays are molded to fit the chewing surface or cusps of your tooth, but they replace only the portion that has been damaged.

Dental Inlays

Inlays treat the damaged chewing surface of the tooth and don’t cover any cusps. The process is similar to that of a dental filling; both fillings and inlays require your dentist to remove tooth decay and fix a tooth-colored material in its place. However, they differ in how the space is filled.

A traditional filling is a direct restoration. It is placed and shaped right in your tooth. Inlays are indirect fillings that require a minimum of two visits. They are made in a dental lab from a solid piece of porcelain or ceramic. At the second appointment, the inlay is cemented into your tooth.

Dental Onlays

An onlay covers more surface area than an inlay but less than a dental crown. It involves at least one cusp, while inlays typically do not. Your dentist must still remove decay from the tooth before placing the onlay. Dental onlays also require two appointments because the final product is made in a dental lab.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

For any dental restoration, your dentist in Middletown, Ohio, aims to provide the option that offers the most benefits.

When you get a filling or crown, your dentist must remove a lot of the tooth. This can make the tooth weaker. Fortunately, inlays and onlays help save the natural tooth structure. They also provide other advantages to patients.

Durability

Inlays and onlays are built to last because they’re made from durable materials, such as porcelain. They can withstand wear and tear for many years. With proper hygiene and checkups, they could last for as many as 30 years! Wearing a nightguard will help protect your investment if you clench and grind your teeth.

Aesthetic Appeal

Inlays and onlays are custom-made to match your teeth. Your dental team will help you pick a color that makes your restoration look more natural.

Strengthening Your Teeth

If teeth remain weak, they can become badly damaged or infected. Inlays and onlays provide long-lasting solutions for many patients. They substantially improve the performance of teeth by improving their strength.

The Procedure

All dental treatment begins with an initial consultation. You may begin with a series of X-rays to ensure your dentist finds any damage and decay, not visible. Once an inlay or onlay is determined to be a suitable restoration, you’ll schedule the first appointment.

During this appointment, your dentist will use a handpiece to remove tooth decay. Then, they’ll take an impression to send to the laboratory. You’ll have a temporary restoration placed to protect your tooth, while you wait for the final restoration to return from the lab.

The dental lab uses the impression to create a precise replica of the prepared tooth. The material will closely match and blend in with your smile.

After the inlay or onlay returns from the lab, your dentist will test fit it and once perfect, cement it to your tooth. You’ll be on your way out the door with a newly restored tooth!

Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays

Caring for your newly placed restorations starts with practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and floss once.

Avoid harmful habits that put unnecessary stress on the tooth’s surface. Chewing ice or using your teeth to open packages puts your inlay or onlay at risk of breaking.

Schedule routine dental checkups. During these visits, your dentist will evaluate each restoration to ensure it is still in good shape. Regular dental appointments will help extend the lifespan of your inlay or onlay.

High-Quality Inlays and Onlays in Middletown

Inlays and onlays are effective cosmetic dental restorations. You can explore these options and more to restore your smile with the help of Dr. Steven A. Lang, DDS. Call us today to schedule your consultation.