Over the decades, we have seen an explosion of technological advancements in all sectors, including dentistry, making our lives way easier than at any other time in history. No longer should you worry about various dental issues such as cracks, chips, and even tooth decay dictate how your smile will look.
Our dentist in Crestwood, IL, offers dental inlays and onlays to help deal with some of the structural issues plaguing your smile. Even though dental crowns and fillings exist, inlays and onlays come into play when these two options are off the table.
Are you curious to know what these dental treatments can do for your smile? Take a closer look!
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Imagine that you have minor tooth damage because of decay, but fillings will not work, or your tooth has suffered significant damage, but it’s not too severe to need a tooth crown. When these scenarios are what plague you, our dentist will recommend inlays and onlays.
Inlays are the perfect solution when your tooth has minor damage. They are used when a filling will be inappropriate to strengthen the tooth after the damaged part has been removed. Our dentist will place the inlay on the chewing surface of your damaged tooth. The inlays will fit perfectly in the hollow of your teeth and not affect the tooth cusps.
Inlays can be created from composite resin and porcelain and are much sturdier than traditional fillings. The only issue is that you might have to part with some extra dollars, but they are worth every extra coin.
Our dentist may recommend that you go for onlays when there is significant damage to your tooth’s biting surface and cusps. Fillings will be inappropriate since they are too small to fill the space left when the damaged part is removed. Plus, a filling can damage or cause the tooth to crack if a significant portion of the tooth has been removed.
On the other hand, the damage is not that extensive to warrant the use of a dental crown. Therefore, an onlay seems to be the perfect fit since it will cover the chewing surface and the cusps. This is why they are often known as partial crowns.
You can either receive direct inlays and onlays made in our office while you wait or indirect inlays and onlays made in a lab and will need more time to create them.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Going for inlays and onlays is always an excellent idea since they can restore a tooth that has been compromised by moderate damage or decay. This means that it comes with a set of benefits that you can enjoy, and some of them include:
- More Conservative Treatment
Dental crowns are a fantastic treatment, but the problem is that they are quite invasive. But when our dentist uses inlays and onlays, only a small portion will be removed. Our dentist will only deal with the compromised part of the tooth. On the other hand, our dentist will have to remove a significant portion of the enamel to create space for the crown to fit.
- Most Cost-Effective
Since inlays and onlays are restorative treatments, most insurance plans will cover either in part or fully. Also, they are a better long-term investment even though they are more expensive than fillings.
- More Stability
If you go for amalgam fillings, the temperature fluctuations will cause the tooth to fracture. However, porcelain onlays and inlays have a more stable structure and a better solution in the long term.
- Increased Durability
Onlays and inlays are mainly made of porcelain. This is a durable material that can strengthen the tooth and can last for more than two decades if you care for them as you should.
- More Natural Results
Onlays and inlays are made from porcelain, which looks exactly like your natural teeth. Once the restorations are placed, they will blend seamlessly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your smile.
- Easy Aftercare
Onlays and inlays are just like your natural teeth. So, if you maintain proper oral hygiene each day, you can expect them to serve you for very many years.
Who Should Get Dental Inlays and Onlays?
You can be the perfect candidate to receive dental inlays and onlays if:
- The damage to your teeth isn’t severe to necessitate the removal of a huge chunk to create room for a tooth crown
- The damage or decay hasn’t affected the cusps
- The damage isn’t severe enough to warrant the use of a tooth filling
Contact us at Family Dental Care today if you wish to know more.
