Our teeth endure a lot, from everyday wear to occasional mishaps resulting in chips, cracks, or significant cavities. While traditional fillings can address minor damage, more substantial issues require a robust solution. Then comes dental inlays and onlays – innovative restorations offering strength, functionality, and a natural appearance. Get to know more about dental inlays and onlays through this blog, and find out how they can help you restore your teeth.
What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays, also known as partial crowns, are custom-made restorations crafted from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin. They bridge the gap between fillings and full crowns, providing a middle ground that preserves tooth structure while offering significant reinforcement.
- Inlays: These restorations fit within the cusps (chewing surfaces) of the tooth, making them suitable for moderate damage within the tooth’s structure.
- Onlays: When damage extends beyond the cusps or involves a larger portion of the tooth, onlays cover a more extensive area, sometimes extending onto one or more cusps.
Teeth Restoration with Inlays and Onlays: Ideal for Aussies
Australians are known for their active lifestyles, whether on the sports field, hiking trails, or engaging in recreational activities. Inlays and onlays offer several advantages tailored to the needs of Aussies:
Strength and Durability
Crafted from high-quality materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, dental inlays and onlays boast remarkable strength, capable of withstanding significant biting forces. This makes them ideal for restoring teeth exposed to the rigours of daily life and high-impact activities.
Preservation of Tooth Structure
Unlike full crowns, which require the removal of a significant portion of healthy tooth structure, inlays and onlays are more conservative. They only remove the damaged portion of the tooth, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. This conservative approach promotes long-term dental health and minimises the risk of future complications.
Natural Appearance
Custom-crafted to match the colour, translucency, and shape of your surrounding teeth, dental inlays and onlays blend seamlessly into your smile. This ensures a natural and aesthetically pleasing restoration that enhances your overall appearance and restores your confidence.
Long-lasting Solution
With proper care and maintenance, dental inlays and onlays can last for many years, often exceeding the lifespan of traditional fillings. This translates to fewer dental visits and reduced overall treatment costs in the long run, making them a cost-effective investment in your oral health.
The Inlay and Onlay Procedure: Simple and Efficient
The process of getting dental inlays and onlays typically involves several steps, each carefully designed to ensure optimal results:
1. Consultation and Diagnosis
During your initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth, assess the extent of the damage, and discuss your treatment options. Based on your specific needs and preferences, they will determine whether dental inlays or onlays are the most suitable solution for restoring your teeth.
2. Preparation and Impression
Once the treatment plan is established, your dentist will numb the area surrounding the affected tooth and remove the damaged portion using specialised dental instruments. They will then take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit for the custom-made restorations.
3. Temporary Restoration
While your permanent inlays or onlays are being crafted in a dental laboratory, your dentist will fit you with a temporary restoration to protect your tooth and maintain its functionality.
4. Fitting and Placement
Once your custom-made inlays or onlays are ready, you will return to the dental office for their placement. Your dentist will carefully place the restorations, ensuring a comfortable fit and proper alignment with your surrounding teeth. They will make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort, stability, and functionality.
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
To ensure the longevity of your dental inlays and onlays, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Follow these tips religiously for happy, healthy teeth.
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline.
- Mouthguard Use: Consider using a mouthguard, especially if you engage in contact sports or activities with a high risk of impact. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth and dental restorations from injury.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist to monitor the condition of your dental inlays and onlays and ensure they remain in optimal condition. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings and identify any issues early on, preventing potential complications and prolonging the lifespan of your restorations.
Enhance Your Smile and Bite
Dental inlays and onlays offer a powerful and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged teeth. They provide superior strength, preserve healthy tooth structure, and achieve a natural-looking result that enhances your smile and boosts your confidence. If you’re looking for a way to regain optimal functionality and aesthetics in your smile, consider discussing dental inlays and onlays with your dentist. They can help you determine if these innovative restorations are the right choice for you.
If you’re ready to invest in your smile with dental inlays and onlays, our dental experts at Superior Smiles are here to help you! We’re here with our multiple years of experience in keeping your oral health in top shape and helping clients bring back their fabulous smiles. Book an appointment with our expert team now for comprehensive dental care and superior results. Call us today at +61 8 7562 9085 to start your journey to a brighter, stronger smile!