Dentistry has progressed considerably over the years and there are now several effective ways to repair decayed teeth. In this post from Designer Smiles in Fargo, we are going to concentrate on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive substitute for a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are created in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.
An inlay is used to repair the surface of a damaged tooth, usually to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are durable and look very natural because the color can be matched precisely to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is precisely fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the former tooth.
An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are commonly applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are precisely fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an important role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Designer Smiles in Fargo we offer complete general dentistry services. People from West Fargo and Moorhead also come to our practice for cosmetic dentistry. Call for an appointment with us today!
Contact Designer Smiles:
701-298-9400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104
