Sometimes, a tooth has too much decay for a standard filling, but it’s still strong enough that it doesn’t quite need a full crown. In these cases, we use inlays or onlays. These are “indirect” restorations, meaning they are custom-made in a lab to fit perfectly into the unique shape of your tooth’s cavity.
The Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay
An inlay is used to fill the space between the cusps (the points) of the tooth. An onlay is more extensive, covering one or more of the cusps. Both are incredibly durable and are bonded to the tooth for a perfect fit.
Preserving Your Natural Enamel
The beauty of inlays and onlays is that they allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to a crown. They are made from porcelain or composite, making them stain-resistant and virtually invisible once bonded.
Conclusion:
Conservative dentistry is all about saving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Call to Action: Ask us if an inlay or onlay is right for you at your next visit to All Smiles Dental Studio!
