Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments that can restore your smile’s aesthetics and prevent future tooth decay. Also referred to as partial crowns, inlays and onlays strengthen a tooth and protect it against bacteria while offering cosmetic enhancement.
If you have chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth, you may consider inlays or onlays as a solution. In this post, we will explore the difference between the two.
Dental Inlays
Inlays are made of porcelain, resin, or gold, and they function similarly to a traditional cavity filling. These treatments are ideal for addressing decay or structural damage that has not impacted the cusp, which is the pointed portion of the tooth used for biting and chewing.
To place an inlay, Dr. Gallegos preps the tooth for treatment by thoroughly cleaning it, then bonds the inlay to the damaged area.
Inlays are best for patients who have damaged teeth but well-preserved cusps. For those with more extensive damage, an onlay is the better option.
Dental Onlays
Onlays function like inlays, extending one or more cusps of a damaged tooth. Traditional dental onlays are made of gold, but more recently, porcelain has become the preferred material due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The natural shade of porcelain allows you to correct tooth damage while enhancing your smile.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Receiving inlays and/or onlays to treat your teeth has several benefits:
- Strengthen the natural tooth.Fillings are effective, but they can weaken your tooth over time. Inlays and onlays are equally capable of treating decay and damage, but they can actually fortify your teeth.
- Long-lasting results. Dental inlays and onlays last 10 to 30 years, making them an extremely durable and cost-effective treatment.
- Good alternative to fillings and crowns. For patients who have not responded well to fillings or whose damage is not significant enough to warrant a crown, inlays and onlays are excellent options.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Louisa Gallegos, DDS, MSD
Dr. Gallegos is an experienced dentist and prosthodontist. Her expertise in restorative dentistry allows her to provide patients with the most personalized level of care. A passionate, lifelong learner, Dr. Gallegos is an active member of various dental study clubs and is always eager to learn the latest techniques and best technology to help her patients.
Please request an appointment through our contact page or call our Denver, CO, office at 303-316-4034. We are always here to answer any questions and discuss your options with you!
