Inlays and Onlays Treatment

If metal fillings are a cause for embarrassment, or the rear teeth have been extensively damaged by tooth decay, inlays and onlays may be the solution. With tooth-colored inlays and onlays treatment, the teeth can be restored to their previous pristine appearance. Memphis cosmetic dentistry patients are greatly benefiting from inlays and onlays treatment. Dr. Timothy Messer welcomes patients to schedule a consultation at his practice to see if inlays or onlays treatment is right for them.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations. Both dental restorations are used to repair teeth damaged by decay, much like dental fillings. Unlike dental fillings, inlays and onlays are only used on the rear teeth,

The main difference between inlays and onlays is the extent of damage each restoration is used to repair. Inlays are the smaller of the two restorations. Inlays are used when damage is localized to a small area within the cusps, or bumps, on the biting surface of the molars. Onlays are used when the damage extends beyond one or more cusps. Because onlays are used when damage is more extensive, they are sometimes called partial crowns.

What Is the Treatment Process for Inlays and Onlays?

Though inlays and onlays are similar to dental fillings, the treatment process is slightly different. Inlays and onlays are made of tooth-colored materials, either porcelain or composite resin, to seamlessly blend with the surrounding tooth. Treatment generally begins with the removal of old fillings, followed by a detailed cleaning of the tooth. All signs of decay are removed to leave the healthy parts of the tooth intact. Next, using CEREC® technology, optical impressions of the teeth are made and used to custom craft the inlay or onlay. Once ready, the inlay or onlay is fitted to the tooth and cemented in place.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer many benefits when it comes to treating tooth decay. Here are just a few of the many advantages patients can expect to experience:

• Increased Confidence: With inlays and onlays, patients can smile with the confidence of knowing their teeth look pristine and metal-free.  
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Inlay and onlay restorations are custom shaded to perfectly blend with the patient’s own teeth for a flawless appearance.
• Restores the Strength: Inlays and onlays help restore the strength of damaged teeth by bonding the restoration directly to the tooth.
• Preserves More of the Tooth: Inlays and onlays require less of the tooth structure to be removed than traditional metal fillings. This helps preserve the natural strength and structure of the tooth, reducing the likelihood of future breakage.
• Won't Discolor Teeth: Traditional silver amalgam fillings are known to discolor teeth to a grayish tint over time. The porcelain or composite resin used in inlays and onlays will not change the color of the teeth.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Messer

Inlays and onlays treatment has many lasting benefits, like improved confidence and restored dental health. Though inlays and onlays are a fantastic treatment for many patients, they are not suitable for everyone. For some patients in Memphis, porcelain crowns are a better solution, specifically when damage is too extensive for inlays or onlays treatment. There are many more restorative treatment options available, sure fit each patient’s needs. To receive a specific treatment plan, patients are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Messer.

Tagged In: Inlays Onlays, Dental Crowns, Dental Fillings