Inlays And Onlays: Restorative Treatments You May Not Have Heard Of

Most people know about dental crowns, white fillings, and dental implants as treatments for cavities and tooth loss. However, inlays and onlays are also alternatives to these treatments.

Let's explore what inlays and onlays are and how they work.

Both inlays and onlays comprise either ceramic or tooth-colored resin composites, although traditionally, they are a product of gold. An inlay is inserted into cavities to strengthen the tooth.

Inlays are created from the molds of your teeth so they can fit precisely into the gaps. Dentists use them when white fillings prove insufficient for the size of the cavity.

On the other hand, onlays fit inside the tooth and cover and replace part of the chewing surface of your tooth (cusp). An onlay, also called a partial crown, is preferred if a dental crown is too much for the cavity size, where there's still a considerable amount of healthy, natural tooth to preserve.

Your dentist may recommend inlays and onlays based on their professional judgment of your dental condition.

Your dentist may recommend inlays and onlays if you have:

• Cavities
• Cracked or broken teeth

In general, inlays and onlays can last between five and 30 years, depending on your overall dental maintenance. You will need to visit your dentist in Boston regularly to check that these treatments are stable and healthy.

Just like white fillings and crowns, inlays and onlays can crack or loosen if you eat chewy or hard foods or if you habitually grind your teeth. Do follow any special recommendations from your dentist to get the most service from your treatments.

Would you like to learn more about inlays and Onlays? Get in touch with Arch Street Dental for a complete dental assessment and recommendations. Restore your smile today.