You’ve probably heard of dental fillings and crowns. But did you know that inlays and onlays are also used to repair and restore the health of damaged teeth? Your trusted team at Main Street Dental Smiles is committed to providing quality, durable restorations utilizing cutting-edge technology and techniques. Our goal is to maintain long-term healthy smiles!
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are restorations used to repair the chewing surfaces of molars with extensive decay, fractures, breaks, or damaged fillings. An inlay is bonded to a tooth’s chewing surfaces, similar to a dental filling, while an onlay covers the chewing surfaces as well as one or more of a tooth’s cusps. Inlays and onlays typically require removing less of the natural tooth structure, making them conservative alternatives to dental crowns.
At Main Street Dental Smiles, we offer inlays and onlays in different materials, including composites, porcelain, or gold. We can closely color and texture-match your restoration to the surrounding teeth for a natural, seamless smile depending on the material used. Inlays and onlays are incredibly strong and durable, with the potential of lasting 30 years or even a lifetime with proper care!
What Is the Inlay and Onlay Procedure?
After numbing the area for your comfort, we will remove any tooth portions with damage or decay and clean and shape the space to prepare it for the new inlay or onlay. We will make an impression of your mouth to send to our dental laboratory to fabricate your custom restoration. A temporary filling will protect your prepared tooth while you wait.
During an upcoming appointment, we will ensure your new inlay or onlay provides a perfect fit, and then we will cement it in place and use a curing light to harden the bond. You’ll leave our office with a healthy, functional, and incredibly natural-looking and feeling tooth!
Caring for Teeth Restored Using Inlays or Onlays
You’ll need to care for a restored tooth just as you would for your natural teeth. That involves brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Don’t forget to visit Main Street Dental Smiles for your twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings. That will allow us to monitor your oral health and restorations to ensure they stay in tip-top shape.
Inlays and Onlays in Whitesboro, TX
Contact Main Street Dental Smiles to learn more about restoring your smile using an inlay or onlay. Drs. Fort and Schilling, our acclaimed prosthodontist, has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the elements of a healthy, functional smile. With her skill, experience, and expertise, you can trust that you will receive outstanding care and services. Call us at 903-564-3451 to schedule your appointment today!