Have you ever found yourself caught in that middle ground where a simple filling isn’t enough, but a full crown seems like overkill? You’re not alone! That dental limbo is exactly where inlays and onlays shine; they’re the Goldilocks solution of dental restorations: not too little, not too much, but just right.
At Dee for Dentist, we’re all about helping you live longer and smile more. Our team is here to guide you through your options for repairing damaged teeth with our advanced technology and goofy (but highly skilled!) dental experts.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Think of inlays and onlays as the middle child of dental restorations, more substantial than fillings but less extensive than crowns. They’re custom-crafted restorations that fit perfectly into or onto your damaged tooth, like puzzle pieces made just for your unique smile.
Here’s how they compare to their dental siblings:
- Fillings: Are great for less extensive cavities, but don’t provide as much structural support
- Inlays: Fit within the cusps (bumps) of your tooth, reinforcing it from the inside
- Onlays: Cover one or more cusps of your tooth, providing more coverage and strength
- Crowns: Cover the entire visible portion of the tooth; more extensive than most people need
To explain it even further, an inlay is similar to a filling but sits within the grooves of your tooth without extending over the cusps. An onlay extends over one or more of the cusps, offering greater protection and strength. Both are precision-crafted to match your exact tooth structure, ensuring a perfect fit and natural appearance.
Types of Inlays and Onlays
Once upon a time, inlays and onlays were primarily made of gold (fancy, right?). While gold is still an option for those who want a touch of bling in their smile or need more strength to resist the biting forces of back teeth, today’s inlays and onlays are typically made from the following materials:
- Porcelain or ceramic: These match your natural tooth color and blend seamlessly with your smile
- Composite resin: A tooth-colored material that’s durable and less expensive than porcelain
At Dee for Dentist, we primarily use high-grade ceramic materials that offer incredible durability and a natural appearance. But don’t worry—we’ll help you choose the material that best fits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?
When your tooth has seen better days but still has a lot of healthy structure left, inlays and onlays are often the perfect solution. They offer several advantages over traditional restorations, including:
- Preserves more natural tooth structure than crowns
- Strengthens damaged teeth better than fillings
- Lasts longer than conventional fillings–on average, 10-15 years with quality care
- Resists staining better than composite fillings
- Prevents the need for more extensive treatment later on
- Improves the appearance of damaged or decayed teeth
- Reduces the chance of decay developing underneath
Unlike traditional fillings, which can weaken teeth over time, inlays and onlays actually increase teeth’s structural integrity. Think of them as reinforcements for your teeth’s natural defenses!
The Dee for Dentist Digital Difference
At our Las Vegas dental practice, we’ve embraced technology that makes getting inlays and onlays more comfortable and convenient than ever before. We’re not just dentists, we’re tech enthusiasts who love finding better ways to care for your smile!
Our digital workflow for creating inlays and onlays includes:
- Digital impressions: No more messy impression material that makes you gag
- 3D imaging: To ensure perfect fit and function
- CEREC same-day restorations: Get your permanent inlay or onlay in just one visit
- Computer-guided precision: For restorations that look and feel like natural teeth
- Axeos cone beam computed tomography: For advanced analysis when needed
Plus, Dr. Dee and our team are trainers for many of these advanced technologies; we’re the dentists that other dentists learn from! Our commitment to technology means we can offer you the most efficient, comfortable, and long-lasting restorations possible.
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
Once your inlay or onlay is placed, caring for it is simple, just treat it like your natural teeth! Here are some tips to ensure your restoration lasts as long as possible:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily to keep the margins around your restoration clean
- Visit us for regular checkups and cleanings
- Avoid chewing on tough items (ice, hard candy, etc)
- Consider a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping
If you have any questions about caring for your restoration or want to discuss additional tips, please contact us at Dee for Dentist. That’s what we’re here for!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
Most people are quality candidates for inlays and onlays. They might be perfect for you if:
- You have a large cavity or an old filling that needs replacement
- Your tooth is cracked or damaged, but doesn’t require a full crown
- You want a long-lasting restoration that preserves more of your natural tooth
- You prefer restorations that closely match your natural tooth color
- You’re looking for a same-day solution to your dental problem
During your consultation, we’ll help identify whether inlays or onlays are the right choice for your situation. We take the time to explain all your options in plain language, no confusing dental jargon here!
