How Inlays and Onlays Can Improve Your Smile

Are you looking for a way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence? Look no further than Inlays and Onlays! These dental restorations may not be as well-known as other cosmetic procedures, but they can make a significant difference in the appearance of your teeth. In this blog post, we’ll explore how Inlays and Onlays work, their benefits, and why you should consider them as an option to improve your smile. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn about the magic of dental Inlays and Onlays!

Inlays and Onlays

An Inlay or Onlay is a type of dental restoration used to repair damage to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Inlays and Onlays are made from a variety of materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. Inlays and Onlays offer a more conservative treatment option than crowns for teeth that are damaged but not severely decayed or fractured.

Inlays and Onlays are placed on the tooth using a dental adhesive. Once in place, Inlays and Onlays restore the strength and function of the tooth. Inlays and Onlays can also improve the appearance of your smile by filling in gaps between teeth or covering up stains or discoloration.

What is the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

There are several different types of dental restoration procedures available to patients, each with its own unique benefits. Inlays and Onlays are two such procedures that can be used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. But what exactly is the difference between these two procedures?

Inlays are small, custom-made pieces of tooth-colored material (usually porcelain) that are used to fill in small cavities or chips in the tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are larger pieces of tooth-colored material (again, usually porcelain) that are used to restore more extensive damage, such as a large cavity or a cracked tooth.

Both Inlays and Onlays are made from impressions of the patient’s teeth, which are then used to create the custom restoration. Once the Inlay or Onlay is complete, it is bonded to the tooth using dental adhesive.

One of the main benefits of using an Inlay or Onlay to restore a damaged tooth is that it helps to preserve more of the healthy tooth structure. Unlike a traditional filling, which involves removing a larger portion of the healthy tooth in order to make room for the filling material, an Inlay or Onlay only requires a small amount of drilling. This means that more of your natural tooth can be kept intact, which is always ideal.

Benefits of Getting Inlays and Onlays

There are many benefits that come along with getting Inlays and Onlays. For one, they can help to improve the overall appearance of your smile. If you have stained or discolored teeth, Inlays, and Onlays can help to cover up those blemishes and give you a whiter, brighter smile. Inlays and Onlays can also help to strengthen your teeth and make them more resistant to decay. And finally, it can help to protect your teeth from further damage by providing a barrier between your tooth enamel and any harmful bacteria or acids.

Preparation for the Procedure

When you arrive for your Inlay or Onlay procedure, your dentist will numb your tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Once the area is numb, your dentist will use a drill to remove any decay from your tooth. Next, an impression of your tooth will be made so that the Inlay or Onlay can be custom-made to fit your tooth. While you wait for your Inlay or Onlay to be created, a temporary filling will be placed in your tooth. 

When the Inlay or Onlay is ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to have it placed. Your tooth will be cleaned and then the Inlay or Onlay will be bonded to your tooth using dental cement. Once the cement has hardened, you will have a new, improved smile!

Aftercare for Inlays and Onlays

Aftercare for Inlays and Onlays is important to keep your smile looking its best. Here are some tips: 

1. Brush and floss your teeth as usual, being careful not to dislodge the Inlay or Onlay. 

2. See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. 

3. Avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools, as this can damage the Inlay or Onlay. 

4. If you have any questions or concerns about your Inlays or Onlays, be sure to ask your dentist.

Conclusion

Inlays and Onlays are a great way to improve the look and feel of your teeth. They provide an alternative to more invasive treatments such as crowns, bonding, or veneers. With Inlays and Onlays, you can achieve a beautiful smile without compromising your tooth structure. Moreover, they last up to 30 years with proper oral hygiene techniques! So if you want to upgrade your smile for life, speak with your dentist about getting Inlays and Onlays today!

FAQs

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and Onlays are two types of indirect dental fillings. Indirect fillings are made outside of the mouth, using impressions of the teeth, and then bonded into place. Inlays fit inside the cusps (bumps) of the tooth, while onlays cover one or more cusps.

How long do Inlays and Onlays last?

With proper care, Inlays and Onlays can last for many years. However, like any dental restoration, they will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear, or if the tooth becomes decayed again.

Are Inlays and Onlays painful?

Inlays and Onlays are not typically painful procedures. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to ensure that you remain comfortable during the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity after the treatment, but this should go away within a few days with proper care.