Restorative Dentistry - A Guide to Dental Inlays and Onlays

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Restorative Dentistry A Guide to Dental Inlays
and Onlays
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Dental inlays and onlays are dental restorations
that many patients find preferable to traditional
fillings and crowns.
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Those who favor them feel that they provide a
more secure, precise, and longer-lasting solution
to cavities, tooth decay, and chipped teeth.
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The difference between an inlay and an onlay
versus a traditional filling is how it is shaped
and fitted into the tooth.
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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
by family dentists or cosmetic dentists.
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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.
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Therefore, inlays are most often used in place of
dental fillings for cavities, and onlays are an
alternative to dental crowns.
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Why choose dental inlays and onlays over their
more traditional and common alternatives? There
are several reasons
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Preserving Your Teeth
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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 material is
preserved.
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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.
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More Durable Material
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Resin-based tooth fillings and traditional crowns
are known for wearing away, breaking down,
chipping, and cracking over time.
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How many times have you known someone who had to
go in for an unexpected dental procedure because
his crown popped off or broke?
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It happens constantly. Inlays and onlays often
fit better and require less material, and the
material that is used is stronger and more
durable.
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A Better Fit
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Traditional fillings that harden after the
procedure have a reputation for shrinking over
time.
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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.
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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.
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Less Discoloration
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It should be noted that fillings have come a long
way from the ostentatious, shiny gold material
that was used for decades.
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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.
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However, over time, this material is much more
susceptible to discoloration than is your natural
tooth enamel.
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Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, possess the
same protective qualities against discoloration
that your teeth do.
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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 coloring as well.
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If you are seeking professional dental advice,
it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.
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Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions,
examine you, and determine exactly what needs to
be done to get you back to normal.
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Call today for an appointment.
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Visit www.shumwaydental.com
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Shumway Dental Care 3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite
1 Chandler, AZ 85286 [phone]