Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns
Restorative dentistry has progressed considerably over the years and there are now several effective ways to repair decayed teeth. In this post from Providence Dental in North Las Vegas, 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 alternative to 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 strong and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly 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 generally applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are precisely fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay.
At Providence Dental in North Las Vegas, our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Providence Dental:
702-852-2244
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7181 N Hualapai Way Ste 105
Las Vegas, Nevada
89166