Inlays and Onlays: A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Strength for Your Teeth
Revitalize Your Smile with Custom Inlays and Onlays at Union Street Dental
When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, dental advancements offer more options than ever before. Inlays and onlays are two exceptional treatments that strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and durability. At Union Street Dental in Bennington, VT, we are proud to offer custom inlays and onlays, providing our patients with superior dental restorations that blend seamlessly with their natural teeth.
Understanding Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations that are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded onto the affected tooth. They are used to repair teeth with moderate to severe damage, such as large cavities or fractures, where a regular dental filling may not be sufficient, but a dental crown is not necessary.
Inlays: Inlays are restorations that fit into the grooves or pits of the tooth’s chewing surface, precisely covering the area of damage while preserving the healthy tooth structure.
Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, are more extensive than inlays. They cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps (protruding points) of the chewing surface.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
The process of getting inlays and onlays typically involves two dental visits:
- First Visit: Examination and Preparation
- During your initial visit, our skilled dentists will thoroughly examine your tooth to determine if an inlay or onlay is the appropriate treatment.
- The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, and any necessary tooth preparation will be performed to ensure a precise fit for the restoration.
- Impressions and Temporary Restoration
- Impressions of the prepared tooth will be taken to create a custom inlay or onlay that matches your natural tooth structure and bite.
- While your permanent restoration is being crafted in a dental laboratory, a temporary restoration will be placed to protect your tooth.
- Final Placement
- Once your custom inlay or onlay is ready, it will be securely bonded to your tooth during your second dental visit.
- Our dentists will ensure a perfect fit, making any necessary adjustments for optimal function and aesthetics.
The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer numerous advantages over other dental restorations:
- Natural Appearance: Custom-crafted from tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring a beautiful smile.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth compared to dental crowns.
- Strength and Durability: Inlays and onlays are highly durable, providing long-lasting and reliable restorations for your teeth.
- Improved Chewing and Biting: Restoring damaged teeth with inlays and onlays helps improve your ability to chew and bite comfortably.
At Union Street Dental in Bennington, VT, we believe in the power of modern dental restorations to rejuvenate and strengthen your smile. Inlays and onlays are exceptional options that combine beauty and strength, providing you with a confident and healthy smile that stands the test of time. If you have damaged or decayed teeth or are considering inlays and onlays for any other dental concerns, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team. We are committed to providing personalized care and crafting custom inlays and onlays that restore your smile’s brilliance and ensure optimal oral health. With inlays and onlays, you can confidently embrace a renewed smile, exuding elegance and vitality for a lifetime of joyful and healthy smiles.
