Restorative Dentistry – A Guide to Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are dental restorations that many patients find preferable to traditional fillings and crowns.

Those who favor them feel that they provide a more secure, precise, and longer-lasting solution to cavities, tooth decay, andchipped teeth.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay versus a traditional filling is how it is shaped and fitted into the tooth.

Whereas a filling is molded directly into the tooth cavity where it subsequently solidifies, inlays and onlays are molded into shape in a dental lab and then fitted to the damaged tooth byfamily dentists orcosmetic dentists.

When the restoration is made to the middle of the tooth, it is classified as an "inlay," as opposed to an "onlay" which is used to repair tooth damage that involves a "cusp," or protruding point.

Therefore, inlays are most often used in place of dental fillings for cavities, and onlays are an alternative todental crowns.

Why choose dental inlays and onlays over their more traditional and common alternatives? There are several reasons:

Preserving Your Teeth

Because all the work on an inlay or onlay is done in a lab and the result is inserted into the tooth only after it is completed, as much as possible of your natural tooth materialis preserved.

When you have a filling or get a crown made, the dentist has to sand down and chip away at even more of your tooth before he even gets to work on the restorative process.

More Durable Material

Resin-based tooth fillings and traditional crowns are known for wearing away, breaking down, chipping, and cracking over time.

How many times have you known someone who had to go in for an unexpected dental procedure because his crown popped offor broke?

It happens constantly. Inlays and onlays often fit better and require less material, and the material that is used is stronger andmore durable.

A Better Fit

Traditional fillings that harden after the procedure have a reputation for shrinking over time.

This can open up new cavities which will necessitate additional filling material. Likewise, full crowns can be bulky and uncomfortable when fitted onto your tooth.

Inlays and onlays use the minimum amount of material necessary, and that material is immutable in shape and size, meaning it won't wear away or erode and leave you open for new decay.

Less Discoloration

It should be noted that fillings have come a long way from the ostentatious, shiny gold material that was used for decades.

The resin used in modern fillings is formulated to be the same color as your tooth, so after the filling is inserted and it solidifies, no one will notice it is there unless they look extremely closely.

However, over time, this material is much more susceptible to discoloration than is your natural tooth enamel.

Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, possess the same protective qualities against discoloration that your teeth do.

That means as long as you take the proper measures to keep your teeth white and free from stains, your inlays or onlays will uphold their white coloringas well.

If you are seeking professional dental advice, it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions, examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment.

Visit www.shumwaydental.com

Shumway Dental Care3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1Chandler, AZ 85286(480) 420-7551