Your smile is important for many reasons. Not only will a healthy smile help you eat and speak properly, but it can also benefit your emotional health. While surprising to hear, a healthy, appealing smile will improve your appearance, increase your self-esteem, and make you happier and more successful. Unfortunately, certain issues can affect the look and underlying health of your teeth. That is where cosmetic dentistry comes into play. With this guide, you will learn the differences between inlays and onlays to help you determine which option is right for restoring your smile back to a healthy, appealing state.
Inlays Versus Onlays
Both inlays and onlays are similar to traditional dental fillings. However, inlays and onlays are manufactured in a lab before they can be bonded to a damaged tooth.
Inlays fit into the spaces between the cusps of the tooth. Onlays work like an inlay, but they are used to cover one or more cusps of the tooth. Onlays are used if the tooth has more severe damage.
If your dentist has recommended an inlay or onlay to restore your tooth, you will have many options to consider. Porcelain and ceramic are the most common materials used to make inlays and onlays, but gold is also an option to consider.
It is important to remember that porcelain does offer the most natural look, so it is best for restoring a tooth located in the front of your smile. Porcelain and gold inlays and onlays are the most expensive option, as well, so you will need to keep this in mind when choosing the material best for you.
The Process
Once you decide inlays or onlays are right for you, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth to send to the lab to begin the fabrication process.
Once complete, your dentist will begin the process of placing the inlay or onlay. A light anesthetic is administered to numb your mouth before cleaning away decayed material from the tooth. The surrounding enamel is then shaped, ensuring the inlay or onlay can be placed securely.
The inlay or onlay is then placed. Your dentist will use specialized gels to polish the inlay or onlay, creating a smooth surface of the tooth. This polishing ensures the restoration is not even noticeable.
After the restoration process, you will need to continue your regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist for routine checkups. This is essential for protecting your natural teeth in addition to protecting the look and durability of your inlay or onlay.
A beautiful, full smile is key to your self-esteem and wellness. This guide will help you determine if inlays and onlays are the right options for restoring your smile. For more information, visit a local cosmetic dentistry office near you.
Share25 June 2018
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.