Dental Inlays and Onlays: Find the "Dentist near Me" to Successfully Restore Your Smile
At Sunrise Dental, we believe in preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while providing effective restoration options. Dental inlays and onlays offer a more conservative approach compared to full crowns, making them an excellent choice for patients with mild to moderate tooth decay or cracks that do not require a crown. If you are searching for a “dentist near me” who can provide high-quality dental inlays and onlays, Sunrise Dental is here to help.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are customized restorations made from materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes even gold. They are designed to repair rear teeth that have been affected by decay or damage, providing a natural and durable solution. The main difference between the two lies in their placement:
- Inlays: These are used when the bonded material is confined to the center of the tooth, effectively repairing the chewing surface without extending over the cusps.
- Onlays: These are used when the damage extends to one or more cusps of the tooth, providing a broader restoration that covers a larger portion of the tooth. If you’re considering inlays or onlays and looking for a “dentist near me”, our team at Sunrise Dental offers expertise in these procedures to ensure optimal results.
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Choosing dental inlays and onlays comes with several benefits:
- Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color, making them virtually invisible compared to traditional metal fillings. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking to maintain the aesthetics of their smile.
- Stable Fit: Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays do not expand or contract with temperature changes, reducing the risk of damage to your tooth structure and ensuring a more secure fit.
- Durability: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last up to 30 years, significantly longer than other types of fillings. Their longevity makes them a cost-effective choice for long-term dental health.
- Conservative Restoration: Inlays and onlays require minimal removal of the tooth’s surface, allowing for the maximum preservation of healthy tooth structure while effectively restoring damaged or decayed areas.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed?
The placement of inlays and onlays typically requires two visits to our office:
1. First Visit: Impressions and Temporary Placement
During your initial visit, Dr. Hsieh, Dr. Hatem, or Dr. Chi will remove the decayed or damaged portion of your tooth and take an impression of the area. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where a custom inlay or onlay is crafted to perfectly fit your tooth. To protect your tooth in the interim, your dentist will place a temporary inlay or onlay until the permanent restoration is ready.
2. Second Visit: Permanent Placement
During your second visit, the temporary inlay or onlay will be removed, and the custom-made restoration will be bonded to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive. The dentist will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and precise fit, and finally, polish the restoration to match the natural shine of your teeth.
At Sunrise Dental, our skilled team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. If you are searching for a reliable dentist near me to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with inlays or onlays, we are here to guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how inlays and onlays can restore your smile while preserving your natural teeth!