Dental Inlays and Onlays

by Katy Dentist Dr. Barker

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair back teeth that have a mild to moderate amount of decay. They can also be used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to require a dental crown. Inlays and onlays are custom made from similar materials used in porcelain veneers: composite resin by master lab technicians. They can also be created from tooth-colored materials. Inlays and onlays are often used to replace metal fillings for patients who desire a more natural-looking smile.

Inlays

Inlays are used to treat teeth that have decay or damage lying within their indented top surfaces. They can also be used to replace old or damaged metal fillings. Inlay placement is usually carried out over two appointments. During your first visit, Dr. Barker will prepare the tooth and take an impression of it. A temporary inlay will be placed over the tooth. He will send the impression to a master dental technician who will create the inlay to match your tooth's specifications. When you return to Dr. Barker’s office, the temporary inlay will be removed, and the permanent one will be carefully bonded to the prepared tooth. Generally, there is no downtime after receiving a dental inlay, only a mild level of tenderness in the treated area, so you can return to work or other activities as soon as you leave the office.

Onlays

Onlays are used to treat decay that extends to one or more of the cusps. Onlays are placed in much the same way as inlays. First, the tooth is prepared, removing decay, cracks, etc., and an impression of the prepared tooth is taken. A temporary onlay is placed over the tooth. The impression is then sent to a master dental technician who creates the onlay according to the tooth’s dimensions. When you return to the office, the temporary onlay is removed, and the permanent restoration is bonded to the tooth using the latest bonding materials.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

In treating dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity and eventual tooth loss. Inlays and onlays also offer the following benefits:

• Since they can be made from tooth-colored material, including porcelain and composite resin, inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
• Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays will not expand or contract in response to temperature changes caused by hot or cold foods. This change in size can cause teeth to weaken or fracture.
• The use of inlays and onlays requires less tooth reduction than does the use of metal fillings. This allows dentists to conserve more of a patient’s natural tooth structure in the treatment process.
• Because of the way inlays and onlays are made and bonded, they can help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent.

Keeping your teeth decay-free and your smile beautifully white is our focus at Barker Aesthetic Dentistry. Please call our office for a consultation about restoring the health and beauty of your smile.

Dental inlays/onlays are restoring beautifully white smiles... at the offices of LVI-trained Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Brad Barker; serving the communities of Katy, Sugar Land and the great Houston, Texas area.