Porcelain Inlays and Onlays: The Woodlands, Texas

Porcelain Inlays

Teeth are no longer filled with mercury-based fillings. Today we use composite material, gold or tooth-colored porcelain to fill teeth. An inlay is simply a custom made filling that is created from one of these materials. Porcelain inlays are the most popular because they resemble your natural tooth and they are very strong and durable. If done correctly, the inlay is virtually invisible. The difference between the “inlay” and the “onlay” is the inlay is within the tooth while the onlay wraps around some if not all the cusp.

There are several reasons an inlay can be used to repair the teeth. They can be used to replace or repair defective fillings and fix teeth that are decayed or have experienced some type of trauma. Inlays are a great alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings and are more conservative than crowns due to not having to remove as much of the tooth’s structure.

Inlays are highly durable and can last a long time with proper care. However, they are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. Overall, they can give you a long lasting a beautiful smile.

Reasons for inlay restorations

Here are a few reasons you may consider or need an inlay restoration:

• Fractured and broken teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement and smile restoration
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings

What is involved in getting an inlay

Getting an inlay can require two appointments. The first appointment normally includes taking some impressions (molds) that are used to create an inlay just for you as well as a temporary restoration.

When the tooth is numb, we will remove any decay and if we are replacing a filling, we will remove the old filling material also. We will thoroughly clean the tooth and carefully prepare the surface by shaping it to fit the inlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while the inlay is being made.

At the second appointment your new inlay will be carefully cemented into place. Adjustments may be necessary to ensure proper fit and that the bite is correct and comfortable. You will receive instructions at the end of the treatment on maintaining your new inlay and making it last for a long time.

If you have old fillings, decayed teeth, broken fillings or you are in need of a large filling, call our office today. We will be glad to speak with you and set you up with an appointment to get you smiling again.

Porcelain Onlays

An “onlay,” which is sometimes referred to as a “partial crown,” is a dental restoration that surrounds some or all of the cusp of the tooth and is made of either a composite material, gold or tooth-colored porcelain. A porcelain onlay is popular because it resembles your natural tooth giving you a beautiful smile.

Onlays are used to repair teeth that have large defective fillings or they have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are also a great alternative to crowns because less of the tooth structure is removed when preparing for an onlay. Onlays are essentially identical to an inlay with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have been damaged and are included in the restoration.

As with most restorations, an onlay is not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and very strong and should last many years giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Here are some reasons to use “onlay” restorations

• Broken and fractured teeth
• Smile and cosmetic enhancements
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings

What is involved in getting an onlay

An onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. The first appointment normally includes taking impressions of your teeth that will be used to create a custom onlay and a temporary restoration.

While your tooth is numb, we will remove any decay or excess filling materials. We will thoroughly clean the tooth and carefully prepare it by shaping the surface to fit the onlay restoration. A temporary filling may be applied while the onlay is being made.

At the next appointment, your new onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. Sometimes a few adjustments are necessary to make sure it is fitting properly and there are no complications with the bite. At the end, you will receive instructions on maintaining your onlay.

If you have broken and fractured teeth, decayed teeth, fractured or large fillings, an onlay maybe right for you. Give us a call. We will be glad to help.