Dental Inlays and Onlays

One of the most common treatments for replacing old or failed metal fillings or restoring mildly decayed teeth performed by Cincinnati cosmetic dentists is the placement of inlays or onlays.

Inlays made of porcelain or gold are set in the depressed surface of the teeth and can be matched to the color of the tooth.

Onlays are used to restore the areas between the cusps of the damaged or decayed tooth, also using gold or porcelain, which can make them virtually undetectable to the naked eye. Onlays are frequently chosen to eliminate the need to remove large amounts of tooth tissue, and they can often be selected in place of dental crowns or to avoid the eventual need for a dental implant.

Inlays and onlays are usually made of tooth colored materials and are therefore undetectable and more aesthetically pleasing. They are unlike any filling material in that they do not expand or contract when exposed to cold or heat. This strengthens the normal structure of the teeth. Inlays and onlays can last more than thirty years. Many other restorative products may fail as a result of exposure to high or low temperatures, or to habits like teeth grinding.

The choice of material usually depends upon the area in the mouth. Gold is the material of choice for the molar teeth as they do most of the crushing and grinding in the mouth, and gold is sturdy and long-lasting.

The dentist fits the restoration into the tooth/teeth and ensures that the bite is comfortable before sealing and polishing it.

Their custom fit, durable materials and resistance to the conditions within the mouth make them the ideal choice for Cincinnati cosmetic dentists to repair severely weakened or damaged teeth.