Information About Inlays and Onlays
An inlay is a restoration technique in which a wave small amount of dentin is removed from the tooth, and then a cavity-filling material is placed in the area that was removed. An onlay is a restoration technique that consists of a thin layer of porcelain or ceramic material being placed on top of the tooth to cover it and fill in any areas that have been lost or damaged. The difference is that the onlay covers more of the top of the tooth than an inlay.
Most people cannot tell the difference between an inlay and an onlay. However, an onlay is typically used if there has been a breach in the integrity of the tooth, to the point that the tooth has been compromised too much to do a normal everyday filling. Historically, inlays have been made from gold. However, over time we have evolved into using porcelain, which offers a better aesthetic look. Inlays are typically made outside of the mouth and then glued into place during another appointment.
What is involved in getting an inlay or Onlay?
Typically you will have an appointment in order to get an impression, which is now done digitally in many cases. This will give the dentist the right shape, size, and position of the inlay or onlay. They will then send this data off to the lab.
Inlays and onlays are ways that a cosmetic dentist can restore the look of your smile without you losing a tooth. They are often used if the tooth has been cracked or broken in some fashion. We also see this technique used in conjunction with root canals.
There are many benefits of getting tooth inlays or onlays. For one, it provides relief from pain caused by cavities and other dental problems. When a cavity is too deep, oftentimes a cosmetic dentist will turn to an inlay or onlay to fix the tooth without compromising it. This is a procedure that is popular as it provides the added protection that the tooth needs.
Cosmetic dentistry
For some people, dental procedures are not just for health reasons, but also for better looks. As people age, their teeth may become stained, crooked or discolored. Cosmetic dentists can help with these problems by offering everything from teeth whitening to veneers and more. While this post is to help educate our clients on what an inlay and overlay are, as cosmetic dentists we offer a variety of other options.
When you have a smile that you are less than proud of, you should visit a cosmetic dentist. We can take a look and offer some options and solutions that will not only improve your smile but your bite as well. While many people think that they have to get braces, that simply is not the case any longer. Our cosmetic dentist is one the most trusted in the Sydney area. We have been providing quality cosmetic dental care for many years and are happy to assist with your dental needs. Call today and let’s get started on your next journey to a better smile. We offer teeth whitening, veneers, inlays, onlays, crowns, and general dental care as well.