Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to fix decayed teeth. In today’s post, we are going to focus on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive substitute for a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are produced in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.
An inlay is used to correct the surface of a damaged tooth, often to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are durable and look very natural because the color can be matched precisely to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is precisely fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the previous tooth.
An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are typically applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are accurately fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve a critical role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Marcos Ortega DDS, we provide premium dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that has a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call 619-295-4545 to make an appointment today.
Contact Marcos Ortega DDS: 619-295-4545
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
306 Walnut Ave Ste 25
San Diego, California
92103