The aspects of dental care have progressed as far as the restoration of damaged teeth is concerned. A number of solutions are offered to all patients in several parts of the globe. Of the highly advanced dental treatments, inlays and onlays are good options that balance durability and functionality with aesthetics. Be it that you have an idea about such restorations or that is new to you, you must know how they work and when you need them. Our Aurora Smiles clinic is in the heart of Mt Vernon, NY, providing high-class dental treatment in Mt Vernon, NY so that our patients receive the best care they deserve from their dental needs.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
These are three attenuated, custom dental restorations used to restore damaged or moderately decayed teeth. Sometimes they’re called partial crowns because they fill in something in between-filling and full crowns. Fillings are applied where the decay is small and has been confined within the tooth, crowns may cover the entire tooth structure, however, inlays and onlays will restore sections of a tooth without needing to cover the whole structure of the tooth.
Inlays: An inlay is a filling that is put inside the inside of the chewing surface of the tooth. It mostly lies within the cusps, which are the rearmost ridges of a tooth. The inlay can be used in cases where only the core of the tooth is damaged but there is no damage to edges.
Onlays: This covers a larger part of the tooth than an inlay and covers a larger portion of it that includes at least one side of the tooth. If the tooth needs extensive repair, an onlay extends over the cusps of the tooth to cover the chewing surface and part of its exterior.
The materials used in the preparation of inlays and onlays are generally porcelain, composite resin, or gold. These restorations are usually accepted most often since they are liked for the reproduction of color and durability even though porcelain and composite resin are favored. These restorations will complement well with your natural existing color of the teeth.
When Are Inlays and Onlays Needed?
Although not all dental problems require inlays and onlays, it is highly recommended for a few specific cases. Here is a concise list of some of the common cases wherein you may need an inlay or an onlay:
- Mild Decay
In case a tooth has decayed but not deteriorated to such an extent that a complete crown is required, the dentist may use this procedure. Their aim is to offer a restoration that is far stronger and longer-lasting than usual fillings, particularly if the site of decay is too large for a typical filling. Since they are prepared according to the patient’s mouth and needs, inlays and onlays can give a more precise fit, and by doing so offer better protection against further decay. - Cracked or Broken Tooth
The onlay will be appropriate if you have a cracked or broken tooth, and the damage is too extreme to be filled but justifying a crown is still too extreme. Onlays assists in rebuilding the shape of the tooth as well as strengthening the tooth so that it does not break any further. They are most advisable for molars, which bear the highest pressure in mastication. - Replacement of Old Fillings
Older fillings, particularly amalgam (silver) fillings, can wear away and allow leaks or fractures to occur that decay can develop underneath the filling. If the damage from the failing filling is mediocre, inlays or onlays are available-both are durable and aesthetically acceptable.
Porcelain inlays and onlays also tend to be more esthetic than metal fillings, and can be color-coordinated with the rest of your natural tooth. - Large Cavities
Inlays or onlays should always be considered for a cavity that may be too large to be filled but not severe enough to be crowned. The two concepts of inlays and onlays provide that much-needed precision and durability to carry on with effective restoration without compromising the strength and structure of the tooth. - Further Restoration
Inlays and onlays are proactive, too. A tooth that starts wearing away due to erosion or excessive wear or has been a recipient of any other dental procedure can be strengthened with an inlay or an onlay that prevents it from further deterioration, thus saving a tooth from root canals or crowning.
How Do Inlays and Onlays Prepare?
Dental procedures to be comfortable and efficient for all our patients. The following is a general overview of what you would expect in an inlay/onlay:
Then, the first session is the visit to a dentist, where he or she checks the affected tooth and decides whether an inlay or onlay would best solve your dental problem. Inlays and onlays usually require x-rays or scans to know the extent of the damage to be inflicted.
Preparation: If an inlay or onlay is required, the dentist will have to remove damaged material and shape the tooth, where this damage occurred. An impression or scan of the tooth then takes place. This impression or scan forms the basis for a precision-fit inlay that is created and fits precisely on that tooth.
Restoration of Temp ESTATE: This process will allow most of the patients to have a temporary filling or a temporary inlay or onlay setup while the laboratory takes time to prepare the original inlay or onlay.
Final Prosthesis The final appointment will be scheduled when the inlay or onlay is ready. At this visit, the temporary restoration is removed and the inlay or onlay is bonded firmly into place using a high-strength dental adhesive. It is then polished to fit the tooth perfectly, with a smooth, glossy finish.
Aftercare: Considering the fact that you provide proper care for your teeth and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups, inlays and onlays can stay for years. Proper brushing and flossing and subsequent appointment to the dentist for cleanings will ensure that your mouth remains healthy besides the longevity of the restoration.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Durability: Inlays and onlays are made from strong materials, including porcelain or composite resin, so they endure for a longer period compared to fillings.
- Natural Color: Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays can be tinted to blend well with the original colors of your teeth. This makes them virtually undetectable and perfect for patients who care much about aesthetics.
- Accurate Fit: Since inlays and onlays are custom, they provide an accurate fit that prevents the entry of bacteria into the tooth, thereby further decay.
- Reinforce Tooth: Inlays and onlays can strengthen a damaged tooth. They offer additional support and protection against any damage.
Inlays and Onlays
Do you need some sort of restorative treatment in Mt Vernon, NY? Well, your search ends at Aurora Smiles Led by Dr. Amul Patel, Here, our professional team is on call to give you the best care possible and keep your oral health exceptional. Whether it’s an inlay or an onlay-or any other form of restoration-we’ll walk you through it and tailor the treatment to fit your particular needs. With a patient-centered approach, along with advanced technology, we will stand by your side in helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Let Aurora Smiles help you with your dental concerns: we know that stress from some of the dental problems has put patients off visiting these places; however, with compassionate care and expertise at hand, rest assured you’ll be getting the best care available in Mt Vernon, NY. Call us now to schedule a consultation and learn more about how inlays and onlays can help bring back your smile while ensuring optimal health for your mouth.