“They will not just change your smile for the better, they will change your life."
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to need a full dental crown, inlays and onlays offer a more conservative, yet effective, solution. These custom-crafted restorations can repair decay or damage while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. At Smile for Life Dental, cosmetic dentist Dean Lodding, DDS, utilizes inlays and onlays to help restore strength and beauty to compromised teeth. If you’re looking for a durable alternative to traditional fillings or crowns, inlays and onlays may be the ideal choice for your smile.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth’s chewing surface, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger portion of the tooth. Both are crafted from durable materials and are bonded directly to the tooth.
Sometimes referred to as “indirect fillings,” inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab based on an impression of the damaged tooth, then cemented into place. This custom fabrication typically allows for a stronger, longer-lasting restoration than a standard filling.
Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over other cosmetic and preventative measures. Since they are custom-fitted, they can preserve more of the natural tooth structure than a crown, while providing greater strength and durability than a standard filling. They are also highly resistant to staining and wear, helping restorations blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Additionally, inlays and onlays help distribute biting forces evenly, which can prevent further cracking or damage to the tooth. Their custom fabrication ensures a precise fit, reducing the risk of bacteria buildup or decay recurring beneath the restoration. Overall, patients enjoy a natural-looking, long-lasting solution to dental damage.
Ideal candidates for this cosmetic dentistry treatment are often patients who have tooth decay or damage that is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. Inlays and onlays may also be a great option for those looking to replace old, worn, or failing fillings.
You may be a good candidate for inlays and onlays if you have:
Sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to support the restoration
During a consultation, Dr. Lodding will evaluate your oral health to determine if this treatment is right for you.
The inlay and onlay procedure typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, Dr. Lodding can remove any decay or damaged tooth material and take an impression of the prepared tooth. A temporary restoration is placed while a dental lab crafts your custom inlay or onlay to precisely match the shape, size, and color of your natural tooth.
At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay is carefully checked for fit before being securely bonded to the tooth. Any final adjustments can be made to ensure a comfortable bite, leaving you with a fully restored, natural-looking tooth.
Inlays and onlays are known for their impressive longevity, often lasting between 10 and 30 years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on factors such as the material used, oral hygiene habits, and regular dental cleanings. Practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing regularly, helps protect the restoration and surrounding tooth structure. Routine dental visits allow Dr. Lodding to monitor the condition of your inlays or onlays and address any concerns before they become larger issues. With diligent care, patients can enjoy strong, functional, and beautiful smiles for many years following treatment.
If you’re dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth, inlays and onlays may offer the durable, authentic-looking solution you need. Contact Smile for Life Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lodding and discover if inlays and onlays are right for you.