4819 Avenue Q, Lubbock, TX 79412
Strengthen Your Smile With Inlays and Onlays
The cusps of your teeth - the areas where your teeth meet your food - wear down every day from chewing or grinding. Our team at Bliss Dental & Orthodontics in Lubbock, TX, can use inlays and onlays to restore teeth that have more than half of their biting surface destroyed, without creating further harm in the future.
For a single crack, we’ll construct a gold, silver, or porcelain inlay, specially designed for your individual tooth and directly bonded with high-strength resin.
For teeth with more extensive damage, we’ll create an onlay to cover bigger problem areas, with the same precision and durability.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that repair damaged or decaying teeth. Both are designed to integrate seamlessly into the structure of your tooth, restoring its function and beauty. The primary distinction between the two is the level of coverage they offer:
- Inlays fit inside the cusps (raised regions) of a tooth. They are good for cavities that do not reach the tooth's outer margins.
- Onlays cover a broader area of the tooth, including one or more cusps. They are commonly used when there is substantial damage, but a crown is not required.
Inlays and onlays are often made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold, depending on the patient's needs. Porcelain and composite resin have a natural tooth-like color, making them ideal for patients who prefer a natural-looking finish.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Durability: Inlays and onlays are durable and long-lasting, making them great for dental protection. They can endure the forces of chewing and biting, making them suitable for back teeth.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Because inlays and onlays are custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth, they blend seamlessly with your smile, making them an excellent cosmetic option.
- Preserve More of Your Natural Tooth: These restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure, unlike crowns, which may require more reshaping.
- Improved Tooth Function: These restore your tooth's function, allowing you to eat, bite, and talk freely without experiencing pain or discomfort.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure
The procedure for inlays and onlays is typically completed in two visits:
First Visit
During the initial appointment, your dentist will clean the decayed area of the tooth and take an impression to create a custom inlay or onlay. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where the restoration is crafted precisely to fit your tooth.
Second Visit
Once your inlay or onlay is finished, your dentist will inspect the fit, make any necessary modifications, and attach the restoration to your tooth. The end result is a beautifully rebuilt tooth that looks and functions like your natural teeth.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Inlays and onlays are a great choice if your tooth is damaged or decayed to the point that a regular filling won’t work, but doesn’t require a full crown. Schedule a consultation at Bliss Dental & Orthodontics in Lubbock, TX, to find out how inlays and onlays can restore your smile’s function and beauty.
Letting your tooth stay damaged can cause discomfort down the road. With the flexibility of inlays and onlays, we’ll find the long-term solution for your dental health. Let’s restore your worry-free, beautiful smile!