BOYNTON BEACH & BOCA RATON
WHAT ARE INLAYS & ONLAYS?
Damaged, decayed, or broken teeth can ruin an otherwise great looking smile. If you’ve got a chipped tooth or are missing pieces of your teeth, porcelain inlay and onlays are a great natural-looking alternative you should seriously consider.
CAN PORCELAIN INLAYS AND ONLAYS HELP YOU?
Inlays and onlays are used to fix damaged teeth. Dr. Lopez or Dr. Vasquez will bond the inlay or onlay to the parts of the teeth that are broken or otherwise in need of repair. An inlay, not unlike a filling, is made for use inside the the tooth. This is adequate when damage is not as extensive. If however, your tooth is in need of a more substantial correction, an onlay is used in reconstruction. Onlays also cover the central area of the tooth but extend beyond onto one or more of the tips of the tooth as well. Both inlays and onlays can be made from a variety of materials, including composite resin, gold, or porcelain.
Inlays and onlays are typically used for one or more of these dental problems:
- Fractured, cracked, or broken teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Fillings that are too large or are fractured
- Overall aesthetic reasons to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile
If your tooth is damaged but not so bad that it needs an entire crown to be fitted, an onlay is the ideal solution.
WHY PORCELAIN IS A SMART CHOICE
The best part about porcelain inlays and onlays is that they so closely resemble the natural look of your own teeth.
This makes teeth that have been “fixed” or touched up with them look virtually identical to your other teeth. Dr. Lopez will closely match the tint and form of the inlay or onlay to your tooth color to ensure a great finished look.
Unlike gold inlays and onlays which are instantly noticeable, these porcelain versions give a subtler effect for those who don’t want to make their dental work obvious. Another big reason a growing number of people are opting for porcelain is that their relative strength compared to some other alternatives is also significant.
THE SIMPLE PROCEDURE TO RESTORE YOUR TEETH
In most cases, just a couple of sittings are all that lies between you and that great looking set of teeth. First, you’ll meet one of our dental professionals to assess the damage and decide on a course of action. He will then recommended inlays or onlays or both depending on how many teeth need work and how extensive the damage is. In the same sitting, bits of the damaged or decayed tooth are removed and the tooth is made ready for the inlay or onlay to be placed. An impression of your tooth is then taken to be sent to the lab that makes the actual porcelain inlay or onlay. You’ll have a temporary sealant applied to keep the tooth clean and safe until the next sitting.
What to expect after tooth impressions
The sealant is removed in the next sitting and the inlay or onlay checked for both fit and bite. If any changes need to be made, Dr. Lopez or Dr. Vasquez will make note of them. If not, you’re good to go! A strong resin is used to adhere the inlay or onlay to the tooth. A quick polishing to smoothen out the surface and level it to other teeth and you’re done. It’s as easy as that!
MAINTAINING YOUR INLAYS AND ONLAYS
To maintain your inlay and onlay, all it takes is some good oral hygiene. The usual rules of brushing and flossing regularly and not missing those twice a year dental appointments apply. Nothing else needs to be done beyond this, making it a simple and hassle-free solution.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
CHOOSING SOMI DENTAL FOR YOUR INLAYS & ONLAYS
If you’re Florida, there’s no better place to get your inlays done than at the Somi Dental Group facility. Visit our state-of-the-art center in Boynton Beach.
An experienced team led by Dr. Arnaldo Lopez can help you with any dental work you might need done, including the popular Invisalign treatment which can help you get that perfect set of pearly whites!
Simply call or drop by to meet with Dr. Lopez or any of the other doctors and dental hygienists.
