If your tooth is too chipped for a filling and not damaged enough for a crown, your orthodontist at Bristol Dental Clinic may recommend an inlay or an onlay. These are excellent options for patients who need to treat a specific form of tooth damage. Inlays and onlays are also known as partial crowns because only part of the tooth must be removed to place the inlay or onlay.
There are many advantages to opting for an inlay or an onlay. For example, both are durable alternatives that strengthen your tooth and prevent further damage. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of dental inlays and onlays!
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays protect your teeth, improve the appearance of your smile, and repair severe tooth damage. They are durable and strong, making them the ideal candidate to restore severely damaged, decayed, or chipped teeth when ordinary fillings are not an option.
If you have been recommended an inlay or onlay, then your tooth still has healthy enamel, and a crown is not necessary. Whereas a large portion of the tooth has to be removed to make room for a crown, inlays and onlays are less invasive.
Since they are tooth-coloured, inlays and onlays blend in seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth. Both inlays and onlays are bonded to a tooth’s surface, thus strengthening the tooth in the process. Additionally, they are fabricated in a lab specifically for you, ensuring a perfect fit. Inlays are typically made from porcelain or gold.
Inlays are bonded within the centre of a tooth to repair or hide unattractive fillings, whereas onlays extends further into the back of the tooth, covering the entire chewing surface. Consequently, onlays are used to fix damage to one or more cusps (the raised points on your teeth). They are usually used for lingual or front facial locations.
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
1. Inlays and onlays can improve your oral health
Inlays and onlays adhere directly to your damaged tooth with powerful glue. The glue forms a tight seal, making it nearly impossible for bacteria and other infections to penetrate your gums or teeth.
These harmful microorganisms seek out fissures in your teeth, potentially compromising the tooth’s structural integrity and unleashing additional negative consequences for your oral health. With an inlay or onlay, you are protected from these complications.
2. Inlays and onlays are durable
Since inlays and onlays are made from extremely durable and scratch-resistant materials, they never need to be replaced. In fact, they are engineered to last a lifetime.
Both inlays and onlays can withstand severe damage, making them a reliable solution for oral health issues. You can eat, speak, and live your life confidently without worrying about accidentally breaking your inlay or onlay.
3. Inlays and onlays last longer
Inlays and onlays are made to last a lifetime. You will never need to have them replaced. Additionally, future decay is unlikely because the affected tooth is well-sealed when the inlay or onlay is applied.
4. Inlays and onlays strengthen your teeth
Inlays and onlays are excellent long-term solutions that actually strengthen your teeth. This is because they are always made from a durable material, like porcelain, and are adhered, using a powerful type of glue. Dental inlays, in particular, significantly improve the durability of your teeth. After an inlay procedure, teeth can withstand 50%-75% more chewing force than before.
Weak teeth are prone to breakage, infection, and disease, so inlays and onlays can boost your long-term oral health.
5. Inlays and onlays increase the lifespan of your teeth
Since inlays and onlays improve durability and strength, they also increase the lifespan of your teeth. Consequently, inlays and onlays are a fantastic option for anyone wanting to extend the longevity of their teeth and prevent further damage.
6. Inlays and onlays look great
Inlays and onlays are designed to blend in with the rest of your teeth. They are very natural looking, so you don’t have to worry about anyone detecting that you’ve had dental work done.
Additionally, inlays and onlays are made from materials that do not stain. All in all, this means that your smile will continue looking great for many years to come.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
During your first appointment, your dentist removes any tooth decay and takes an impression of your tooth’s structure. This impression is sent to the lab where the inlay or onlay is made specifically for your tooth.
A temporary restoration is placed on the tooth until your next appointment.
At your second appointment, the temporary filling is removed and your new inlay or onlay is fitted and cemented to your tooth. Since it has been coloured to closely match your natural teeth, the inlay or onlay blends in perfectly. You’re ready to start smiling again!
Contact Bristol Dental Clinic for Dental Inlays or Onlays in Mississauga
If your tooth has sustained damage but does not require a filling or crown, an inlay or onlay may be right for you. Not only will an inlay or onlay repair your damaged tooth, but they also strengthen the tooth and blend in with the rest of your smile.
Bristol Dental Clinic in Mississauga provides dental inlays and onlays and other professional dental services. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our dental experts and learn if an inlay or onlay is right for you.
To learn more about dental inlays or onlays in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental Clinic at 866-673-2109 or contact us here.
