Seamlessly Restore Your Smile with Dental Inlays and Onlays
If you suffer from cavities or other damage, dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative restorative solution. To learn more about onlays and inlays and the other services we offer, contact The Center for Dental Excellence. Our inlay and onlay treatments are available at both York & Hellam locations.
Who Is Eligible For InLays And OnLays?
If you suffer from cavities, damage due to trauma, or your existing restorations are beginning to fail, you may be an excellent candidate for inlays or onlays. During your consultation, a cosmetic dentist will closely examine your teeth to determine the type and extent of the damage. If your tooth requires a restoration larger than a dental filling, but the damage is not sufficient enough to call for a dental crown, an inlay or onlay may be recommended.
Placing Your Restoration
Dental onlays and inlays are a natural-looking way to repair damage and decay on the biting surface of the back teeth. Inlays are the smaller of the two, and are bonded within the cusps (raised edges) of the tooth. Onlays are slightly larger and extend beyond the cusps of the tooth. Both are fabricated to fit the natural shape of your tooth, creating an even, durable chewing surface.
The procedure for placing an onlay or inlay is very simple. Our doctors will first need to remove any decayed or damaged portions. In some instances, they may make an impression of the tooth and send it to a laboratory for the creation of your restoration. In others, he may use our on-site CEREC® milling system. If he is not able to provide same-day treatment, you will be provided with a temporary restoration.
Once the permanent inlay or onlay is in place, it will be attached with dental cement and polished to a natural shine. After the onlay or inlay has been placed, it requires no more maintenance than your other teeth. Brush and floss as you normally would, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Treatment Benefits
Crowns and fillings made of gold, silver, and amalgam are very visible and can detract from the appearance of your smile. Metal fillings can also cause the tooth to crack and fracture over time. Inlays and onlays are expertly designed to blend with your teeth for a seamless, polished look. Made of color-matched porcelain, inlays and onlays are both restorative and aesthetically pleasing. Once the inlay or onlay is in place, it strengthens and protects the tooth against further damage. Additionally, inlays and onlays may last for 10 years or longer, depending on how well they are cared for. At The Center for Dental Excellence, we only use the highest quality materials, so you can rest assured your restoration will be durable and look completely natural.
Contact Us Today
Our professional and friendly staff of dental experts can provide you with the very best care available. For more information on how inlays and onlays can improve your smile and restore your oral health, please contact one of our York County offices to schedule your consultation today.