Inlays Onlays Procedure

Inlays and onlays can be used to restore teeth that are affected by decay and cavities. The tooth-colored restorations can be used to fill in areas of inner or outer tooth surfaces; inlays refer to treatment in the center of the tooth, while onlays refer to treatment on tooth cusps or biting surfaces. Inlays and onlays are an excellent alternative to dental crowns and fillings. Like crowns, inlays and onlays are custom fabricated to fill in or fit your teeth, whereas dental fillings involve use of materials that can be molded into place during one visit.

Visit One - Tooth Preparation and Impression

After your tooth decay is diagnosed during your dental exam, your dentist will schedule at least two appointments for the inlays and onlays treatment. During the first appointment, your dentist will clean out the affected tooth, removing all areas of damage and decay. Next, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth so the inlay and onlay can be manufactured to provide a custom fit. Most inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, resin, or gold material. The majority of patients prefer porcelain and resin inlays and onlays because they are tooth-colored restorations that offer a more natural appearance. Finally, your dentist will place a temporary inlay or onlay on the affected tooth while the final piece is made.

Visit Two - Inlay or Onlay Placement

During your second treatment visit, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and place the permanent inlay or onlay using a strong bonding material. Once the inlay or onlay is in place, surrounding tooth surfaces will be polished down to maintain optimal bite. Occasionally, a follow-up visit will be required to refine the bite surface and produce increased comfort.

Inlay and Onlay Results

• Since they can be made from tooth-colored material, including porcelain and composite resin, inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
• Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays will not expand or contract in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods. This change in size can cause teeth to weaken or fracture.
• The use of inlays and onlays requires less tooth reduction than does the use of metal fillings. This allows dentists to conserve more of a patient’s natural tooth structure in the treatment process.
• Because of the way inlays and onlays are made, they help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent.
• The durable material from which inlays and onlays are made helps them last up to 30 years, much longer than that of conventional fillings.
• Inlays and onlays can replace silver fillings to create a healthier, more natural-looking smile.
• By saving decayed teeth, inlays and onlays prevent the need for more extensive treatment later on.

The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

When deciding on a dentist to perform your procedure, it's important that you select someone who has extensive experience in the use of inlays and onlays. These restorations are designed to adhere securely to tooth structure, and if not placed or bonded properly, they can interfere with the bite. Choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist is one way you can help to ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and produces ideal results.

Contact a Dentist

If you have a cavity and are searching for a cosmetic dentist who can perform your inlays or onlays treatment, use DocShop's directory to find a dentist in your area. Our dentists are happy to provide you additional information about the prices of various types of inlays and onlays, as well as about other important aspects of these treatments.