Inlays And Onlays Specialist

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are tooth restoration options that are ideal for people who have significant tooth decay but don’t need a crown. (The use of a crown is reserved for times when the tooth’s entire structural integrity has been compromised.)

Onlays and inlays are like fillings in the sense that they’re a tool K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group uses when a cavity has damaged a tooth. But fillings only work when the damage is so minor that only a small portion of the tooth needs to be removed to treat the decay. 

When the damage to the tooth is more severe, onlays and inlays enable K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group to restore the shape, size, and strength of your tooth all while ensuring it looks completely natural. During your onlay or inlay procedure, they remove as much of the tooth as is necessary to eliminate the decay. Each inlay or onlay is a custom-shaped and colored piece of porcelain that is cemented to your tooth, replacing the portion of your tooth that was removed. 

What’s the difference between onlays and inlays?

Inlays are used when the part of your tooth that needs to be removed is in the center of the tooth but the damage hasn’t affected any of the outer edges of the tooth. Onlays are appropriate when the biting surface, the outer edge of your tooth, or spaces between your teeth have been affected by the decay. 

Think of it this way. An inlay sits in the center of your tooth, while an onlay is affixed on the outside of your tooth. 

Both inlays and onlays are conservative dental restoration options. They enable K Street Dental & Orthodontic to restore both the utility and appearance of your tooth even if a significant portion of it has to be removed because of decay. 

What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?

Onlays and inlays enable K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group to repair significant tooth damage. The result is a tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth. And because the porcelain used in your onlay or inlay is strong and stain-resistant, you can eat and drink normally. 

An inlay or onlay also creates a tight seal that prevents bacteria from getting into the tooth and causing further decay.

To learn more about how inlays and onlays can help you maintain a strong, beautiful smile, call K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group or schedule your appointment online today.