Dental Inlays and Onlays
At Bright Smile Dental Care, we offer dental inlays and onlays as a more conservative approach to tooth restoration compared to full crowns. These treatments are designed to repair rear teeth that have mild to moderate decay or damage, such as cracked teeth, where a full dental crown isn’t necessary. Our Rialto CA cosmetic dentist uses high-quality materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes even gold to craft inlays and onlays, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth restoration.
Inlays are used when the restoration is confined to the center of the tooth, while onlays cover a larger area and can extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. These custom-made restorations provide a seamless fit and are specifically tailored to match your tooth’s natural structure, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays or onlays offers several advantages over traditional fillings or crowns:
• Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or resin, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth. Unlike metal fillings, they are virtually invisible, ensuring a more attractive smile. Our Rialto CA cosmetic dentist is skilled in matching the color of your restoration to the rest of your teeth for a flawless look.
• Superior Fit: Unlike metal fillings that can expand or contract with temperature changes, inlays and onlays provide a snug fit that remains stable. This helps maintain the integrity of the tooth and minimizes the risk of future damage.
• Longevity: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last up to 30 years, making them one of the longest-lasting restoration options available. Their durability and strength ensure that you enjoy a healthy, restored smile for decades.
• Minimal Tooth Reduction: One of the biggest benefits of inlays and onlays is that they preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible. Unlike crowns, which require more of the tooth to be removed, inlays and onlays target only the decayed or damaged areas, keeping the rest of the tooth intact.
How the Procedure Works
Typically, two visits to our Rialto CA cosmetic dentist office are required to complete the placement of inlays or onlays. During your first visit, we will begin by taking an impression of your tooth. This impression is then sent to a specialized dental lab where your custom inlay or onlay will be fabricated to fit your tooth perfectly.
Before you leave, we will protect your tooth with a temporary inlay or onlay to keep it safe from further damage until your permanent restoration is ready. At your second visit, the temporary material will be removed, and your new, permanent inlay or onlay will be bonded securely to your tooth. The result is a restored tooth that looks natural, functions perfectly, and lasts for many years.
At Bright Smile Dental Care, our Rialto CA cosmetic dentist is dedicated to providing high-quality restorative options to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If you think inlays or onlays might be right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation!
