Dental Inlays & Onlays: Aesthetic Solutions to Damaged Teeth
Repairing a tooth that’s experienced decay, acid erosion, or an injury can easily be transformed into something beautiful and aesthetically appealing thanks to dental inlays and onlays from our Ann Arbor dentists. Think more than a filling but not quite as much as a full crown.
Here’s what you should know about including when they’re recommended and how they relate to other dental restorations.
Issues Treatable With Inlays & Onlays
Since not everyone is as familiar with the as, say, a dental crown, it can be hard to know when either procedure is an option. Our dentists will always educate you beforehand and let you know why certain actions are being taken. It’s your smile after all and you deserve to know how it’s being treated.
If you have any of the following, an inlay or onlay may be appropriate:
- Tooth fracture
- Inner damage/decay too advanced for a basic filling but not severe enough for root canal therapy or a crown
- Broken tooth
- Tooth that is worn down and causing tooth sensitivity
Before we move forward with any procedure, we’ll conduct a dental exam. Closely observing the tooth in question and possibly taking X-rays will allow our dentists to assess the level to which it needs to be fixed. We never want to suggest or pursue a treatment unless it’s truly necessary.
Which Is Better for Me?
The decision to place an inlay or an onlay will come down to what your tooth needs most. For instance, if a cusp (point) on the tooth is broken or the top of the tooth is excessively worn, our dentists will go with an onlay. , however, are better suited for teeth affected by large cavities that have compromised the inner surface between the cusps.
Learn More → Can You Stop a Cavity Once It Starts?
No matter what is chosen for you, you should be more than happy with the result. Look at it this way, more of your tooth was preserved and your smile has been restored. All you need to do is reap the benefits of dental inlays and onlays by showing off the final look!
How Inlays & Onlays Compare to Crowns or Fillings
To start, inlays and onlays differ from tooth-colored fillings in that they are pre-molded to fit perfectly into the grooves/pits of your teeth or to cover the very top surface. Fillings are also best used for smaller affected areas and are completed in one single visit to our Ann Arbor dental office.
When compared to dental crowns, both inlays and onlays do not require our dentists to remove as much natural tooth enamel, thus allowing your tooth to remain more intact. Crowns also cover the entire tooth, not just the inner grooves or at least one cusp.
Make an Appointment
If you have a worn, decayed, or otherwise damaged tooth, fillings and crowns aren’t always the right solutions. Our , may suggest inlays or onlays depending on the tooth’s condition. Call Liberty Dental today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.