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Achieve a Dazzling Smile with a Leading Smile Makeover Dentist in Chester Springs
When it comes to tooth restoration, dental inlays and onlays are a more conservative approach than full crowns. If you are experiencing mild to moderate tooth decay or have cracked teeth, these procedures may be the ideal solution for you. At Eagle Family Smiles, a reputable family dental care center in Chester Springs, Dr. Makani uses his extensive expertise and experience to offer you the best smile makeover dentist services.
The inlays and onlays process involves using porcelain, composite resin, or even gold to create the necessary dental pieces. Inlays are limited to the center of the tooth, while onlays can extend further to one or more cusps of the tooth, depending on the extent of the damage.
When more than half of your tooth’s biting surface is damaged, it’s usually recommended that you opt for an inlay or onlay. These procedures are designed to repair your rear teeth while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
Ultimately, the decision between dental fillings and inlays/onlays will depend on the unique circumstances of each individual case. Dr. Makani of Eagle Family Smiles can help you evaluate your options and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Inlays and onlays have been used to repair teeth for decades. They are an excellent alternative to dental crowns and other more invasive procedures. They can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin, and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth.
An inlay is similar to a filling and is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. It is an ideal option for those with mild tooth decay. An onlay, on the other hand, is a more substantial reconstruction that extends out over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. It is an ideal option for those with moderate tooth decay or minor tooth fractures.
While gold was traditionally the material of choice for inlays and onlays, porcelain has become increasingly popular in recent years. Porcelain has excellent strength and color that can match the natural color of your teeth, giving you a more aesthetic look. At Eagle Family Smiles, our cosmetic dentist in Chester Springs, Dr. Makani, will help you choose the best material for your inlays or onlays, depending on your individual needs.
Invisible restoration: Inlays and onlays are almost invisible due to their natural-looking color, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option than metal fillings if porcelain material is used.
Perfect fit: Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays don’t contract or expand with temperature changes, so they maintain a great fit for a long time.
Durable solution: With proper care and good oral hygiene, inlays and onlays can last several years, making them the most long-lasting option for restoring decayed or damaged teeth.
Preserve natural tooth structure: Since inlays and onlays only require the removal of a small portion of the tooth’s surface, they help preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure.
Typically, two visits are required to get inlays and onlays from a cosmetic dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will remove the decayed or damaged area of the tooth, take an impression of your tooth, and provide a temporary inlay/onlay to protect your tooth until your next appointment. The impression is then sent to a lab to create a custom, permanent inlay or onlay that perfectly matches the shape and color of your tooth.
On your second visit, the temporary inlay/onlay will be removed, and the dentist will bond your permanent inlay/onlay to your tooth using a strong resin.
When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, dental fillings and inlays/onlays are both viable options. However, if the damage is more extensive and the damaged teeth are towards the back of the mouth where the forces of chewing are stronger, inlays/onlays are typically preferred over dental fillings. Inlays/onlays are made of porcelain, gold or other materials that are bonded directly onto the tooth, which makes them a more durable and long-lasting option. If the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to require a crown, an onlay can be an excellent alternative to dental fillings.