At 4th Avenue Dental Centre, your friendly general dentist in Calgary, Alberta, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their smile design goals. If you’re looking for an impactful way to improve the appearance of your smile, inlays and onlays may be the answer.
Inlays and Onlays: A Durable and Conservative Solution for Restoring Teeth
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, you may be looking for a conservative and effective solution to restore your tooth’s function and appearance. Inlays and onlays are two restorative options that can help preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while still repairing the damage.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorative dental treatments that are used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are often used as an alternative to traditional fillings or dental crowns. Inlays and onlays are made of a durable material like porcelain or composite resin and are custom-designed to fit your tooth’s unique shape and size.
An inlay is similar to a traditional filling, and it’s placed inside the cusp tips of the tooth. On the other hand, an onlay is a more extensive restoration that covers one or more cusps of the tooth, and it’s used when more than 50% of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged.
What Is the Procedure for Inlays and Onlays?
Getting an inlay or onlay usually requires two dental appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will remove the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and prepare it for the inlay or onlay. The dentist will then take an impression of your tooth, which will be used to create a custom-made inlay or onlay. A temporary filling will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it until the permanent inlay or onlay is ready.
At the second appointment, the temporary filling will be removed, and the permanent inlay or onlay will be placed on the prepared tooth. The dentist will ensure that the inlay or onlay fits properly and securely before bonding it to the tooth with a strong dental adhesive.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
There are many benefits to choosing inlays and onlays over other dental restoration options. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure than traditional fillings or dental crowns. This means that more of your natural tooth structure can be preserved, which can help to maintain the strength and integrity of your teeth over time.
- Durability: Inlays and onlays are made of a strong and durable material that can last for many years with proper care. They are resistant to wear and tear, chipping, and staining, making them an excellent choice for patients who want a long-lasting solution for their damaged teeth.
- Aesthetics: Inlays and onlays are designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, which ensures a seamless and attractive appearance. They are often used on the front teeth, where appearance is particularly important.
If you’re looking for comprehensive dental care in beautiful Calgary, Alberta, get in touch with 4th Avenue Dental Centre! Our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have about inlays, onlays, and other cosmetic dental treatments we offer.