Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to correct decayed teeth. In this post from Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we focus on two similar 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.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are fabricated 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 fix 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 heavy-duty and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is accurately 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 usually applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are accurately fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an essential role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Provo, we provide trusted dental care including inlays and onlays. People from American Fork and Lehi come to our office for family and cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment today!
Contact Hammond Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
801-374-0070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3575 N 100 E Ste 200
Provo, Utah
84604
