Inlays and Onlays
What are Inlays or Onlays?
You have a big filling that needs replacement. Do you have to get a full crown? Not necessarily. A more conservative option that lets you keep more of your natural tooth structure would be an inlay or onlay. These tooth-colored solutions fit into a tooth similar to a filling, but they are milled restorations, much like a crown. The bumps on top of a tooth are called cusps. Inlays fit between cusps, while onlays fit over one or more cusps. Inlays and onlays allow a patient to retain more natural tooth structure than a crown, which is always preferred by Dr. Mace and his team at James G. Mace DDS in Washington, Missouri.
What to Expect During Your First Inlay or Only Appointment
Not every situation is right for an inlay or onlay, but Dr. Mace will assess your problem to determine the best solution for you. Inlays and onlays are created in a lab like a crown and require two appointments to complete the procedure. At the first visit, Dr. Mace and his team will prepare your tooth by removing tooth decay or an old filling and cleaning the area. They will then take a 3D digital scan and send it to their dental lab so that a technician can create a custom inlay or onlay for you. Dr. Mace will determine the best material to use, but in most cases, an attractive and long-lasting tooth-colored solution is available.
Preserve Your Smile With An Inlay or Onlay
At the second appointment, Dr. Mace will remove your temporary restoration and permanently cement your final inlay or onlay into position. After polishing and modifying the restoration as necessary to ensure proper bite alignment, you’ll enjoy your stronger, healthier smile for years to come. To learn more about this innovative procedure to preserve your natural teeth and promote a healthier smile, call Dr. Mace and his team at James G. Mace DDS in Washington, Missouri, today!
