You Should Revamp Your Smile Using Inlays and Onlays: Here’s Why

In the wake of the 21st century, we have seen medical advancements that have made life easier. You can lose all your teeth and still get implants; then, your smile is as good as new. Cavities can no longer deter you from eating since dental crowns in Glastonbury, root canals, and fillings can solve the problem.

In the same breath, there are dental inlays and onlays in Glastonbury, CT that can also step in and save your damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays are known as indirect restorations since they are made in a laboratory.

Inlays vs. Onlays

You have probably heard your dentist tell you that you needed an inlay or onlay instead of a filling when you had cavities. This is because a permanent inlay/onlay can be used when the cavity is too big for a filling.

Typically, to fill small cavities, our dentist uses fillings, and crowns are used when the tooth is too damaged to be filled.

However, there are scenarios when fillings cannot fill the cavity, and crowns are too much to prevent further damage.

Dental inlays and onlays in Glastonbury, CT, are used because they are “just right” to fill in those spaces.

Typically, inlays are used in place of fillings to replace a small amount of tooth that has been lost due to decay. Like fillings, inlays fit inside the tooth.

On the other hand, onlays fit inside the tooth and spill over onto the chewing surface to replace one or more cusps.

Types of Inlays and Onlays

Traditionally, inlays and onlays were made from gold, but now they are made from different materials. They are made from the following materials:

• Porcelain

Ceramic inlays and onlays are fashioned from porcelain. Porcelain is a strong and durable material, which means that the inlay or onlay can last a long time. They are also stain-resistant and can blend in with the rest of our teeth. They mimic the shape, function and color of your natural teeth.

• Gold

Traditionally, gold onlay and gold inlay on teeth were the preferred choices because of gold’s durability. Since gold is strong and malleable, it can protect the teeth cusps that have been weakened by cavities and trauma. Another plus of using gold is that it is stain resistant.

• Composite Resin

These inlays and onlays are made from a combination of powdered glass-like material and acrylic. They are also tooth-colored like porcelain inlays and onlays. The only issue is that they are less malleable than gold or porcelain, and they aren’t stain resistant.

Why Do You Need Inlays and Onlays?

Our dentist may recommend a permanent inlay/onlay for the following conditions:

• Tooth decay that occurs due to bacteria producing acid that damages the teeth. An inlay or onlay is used when the decay is moderate or severe.
• Chipped or cracked teeth that cannot be repaired using a filling and don’t need the extensive work that comes with crowns or root canals.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure will vary depending on the type of inlay or onlay used and the type of tooth. However, the general steps are as follows:

• You will sit in the dentist’s chair and wear a clear shield over your eyes to protect them from spraying liquids.
• Then our dentist will numb the area using local anesthesia to make the procedure painless.
• The damaged part of the tooth will be removed. Our dentist will file down the other parts to get the tooth ready for an onlay or inlay.
• A mold of your teeth will then be taken by our dentist to help create the exact inlay or onlay.
• Then the permanent inlay/onlay will be placed and cemented.
• Lastly, our dentist will polish and smooth the inlay or onlay to ensure that you have a comfortable bite and that the rough edges won’t hurt your tongue or mouth.

After Care Tips

To enjoy the benefits of using inlays and onlays, you have to take care of them as you would your natural teeth. Here are some tips:

• Maintain regular proper oral hygiene, which means that you have to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day.
• Eat the right kinds of food and reduce your sugar intake and other highly acidic foods
• Regular dental check-ups are necessary so as our dentist can monitor the state of your teeth.

Inlays and onlays can serve for many years if you take good care of them. If you need cosmetic dentistry in Glastonbury or any other procedure, call us at Steven F. Hinchey, DMD, and we will help restore your smile.