Inlays and Onlays are common dental treatments for fixing cavity-affected or cracked teeth. Following we answer a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about dental inlays and Onlays.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
These are types of filling used in the mouth to repair a tooth that has a cavity or a crack. They can be made out of porcelain, gold, porcelain fused to metal, or resin composite. Onlays are still fairly new compared to inlays and they provide more coverage for the tooth.
They are thin pieces of material that are put into the teeth after they have been drilled to make room for the filling. The dentist will choose between an inlay or an onlay depending on the patient’s dental needs.
Are dental inlays and onlays part of cosmetic dentistry?
Inlays and Onlays are used as part of cosmetic dentistry to restore the function and natural appeal of teeth. Teeth at the back of the mouth suffering from mild to moderate decay are often treated with dental inlays and onlays.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments that do not address a specific dental issue but instead focus on enhancing the appearance of teeth, gums, and mouth. It features treatments such as fillings to polish tooth surfaces, gum grafts to replace receding gums, tooth whitening to adjust the color of a person’s teeth, and more. However, certain restorative procedures can help fix dental damage that is not severe.
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays are custom-made to fit between a patient’s teeth’ cusps, which are the little projections on a tooth’s biting surfaces. An inlay only covers a small portion of a tooth’s biting surface and is used to treat decay in the tooth’s middle. When a patient’s tooth’s cusps are also decayed, an onlay is frequently recommended. The onlay covers the cusps and protects them from further deterioration.
Do dental inlays and onlays need special maintenance?
They are quite durable and do not require any specific type of maintenance. The patient can continue their normal oral hygiene routine (brushing twice a day and flossing once daily) and the restorations will remain intact.
However, since these are still artificial fillings, it is always beneficial to take certain precautions such as not biting and chewing hard items like ice. In this manner, you are less likely to damage the inlay or onlay.
Dental Care in Chula Vista
Dr. Nick Addario is a Chula Vista dentist offering a wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including dental inlays and onlays. The dental clinic offers a comfortable and hygienic environment, where patients will have access to expert dentists and the convenience of trained staff.
The dentist will first evaluate the patient to determine the extent of damage and if a dental inlay or onlay treatment will be feasible. To learn more or book your appointment, please give us a call or visit the clinic.