At Dentistry by Design our goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Dental inlays and onlays are dental restorations and a great way to save your tooth structure and prevent future decay. They are used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay, or teeth that are fractured but not damaged enough to need a crown. The ideal candidates typically have too much tooth decay or damage to the tooth structure to be treated successfully with a filling, but still have enough healthy tooth remaining to avoid the need for a crown. Inlays and onlys are highly durable and made to strengthen and prolong the life of your tooth.
Dental Inlays
A Dental inlay is very similar to a traditional filling and made out of a resin composite. The inlay fits within the groves of your tooth’s biting surface. A Dental Onlay can be referred to as a partial cap, and covers one or more cusps of the tooth. Both options are hand crafted at a dental laboratory and may take two or more appointments to fully restore your tooth.
Dental Onlays
During your first visit, we will remove any decay and shape your tooth. Then, we will take an impression that the dental lab will use to create your custom fitted restoration. In the meantime, we often place a temporary restoration which will be removed on your next visit.
During your second visit, we will remove the temporary restoration and the try on your inlay or onlay. We will make sure it is ideal for both your tooth and your bite. Once this is achieved we will bond your final restoration into place.