Dental Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are dental restorations used for repairing rear teeth with mild to moderate decay or cracked teeth that are not much damaged. They are made of porcelain, gold and composite materials in the laboratory. Once completed, they are bonded onto the remaining tooth structure. Porcelain is a popular choice since it is naturally translucent and can be matched with the shade of your tooth. It is stronger than composite material, however still provides excellent aesthetics that are mostly preferable to conventional silver fillings. It is mostly used when the broken or decayed portion of the tooth is very large for composite white filling. Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, provide a stronger, well-fitting, and long lasting solution to tooth decay or such kind of damage.

Reasons for getting inlays and onlays:

• To repair broken, crooked, damaged or decayed teeth.
• To fix fractured and large fillings.
• Replace metal fillings for patients who want a natural smile.
• For cosmetic improvement.

Our dental surgeon will assess the condition of your tooth to check if you are the right candidate for inlays and onlays and choose the right material for you.

How inlays and onlays are applied?

The procedure of fixing inlays and onlays requires at least two appointments to the dentist. Inlays and onlays must be moulded perfectly to the shape and size of the individuals' teeth.

On the first appointment, your dental practitioner will extract the damaged portion of the tooth. The remaining part of the tooth will be shaped carefully to ensure that inlays and onlays will be able to stick to it. This shaped tooth will create an impression to be made for the artificial tooth. A gum will be put in your mouth so the dentist can create a mould of your bite and tooth shape. This mould is the same replica of your mouth so that inlays and onlays can be made perfect in the laboratory.

The next appointment involves the actual application of inlays and onlays on the teeth. Inlays and onlays are placed carefully so that they match with the exact shape of your tooth. Once they are set in the right position, your dentist will work on binding inlays and onlays permanently onto the tooth. Inlays and onlays are then polished so that you leave the dental clinic with a bright and dazzling smile.

How to care for inlays and onlays?

Like your natural teeth, you should care for inlays and onlays so that they last for several years. For this, it is important to:

• Brush your teeth at least two times in a day.
• Floss teeth once in a day.
• Avoid eating hard food, ice cubes and biting nails.

Visit our dentist once every six months and allow us to detect any dental emergencies while they are in the early stage. Routine cleanings and oral examinations will ensure that your inlays and onlays are doing well and will last for years to come.

Feel free to Contact Us to solve your queries about inlays and onlays and fix a smile consultation with one of our dentists.