Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to fix decayed teeth. At Pence Family Dentistry in Fishers, we are going to focus on two similar types of dental restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive alternative to a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are produced in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.
An inlay is used to repair the surface of a damaged tooth, typically to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin are used for inlays; these materials are durable and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is exactly fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the former tooth.
An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are generally applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are exactly fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an essential role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Pence Family Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that have a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call our offices to make an appointment today.
Contact Pence Family Dentistry:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
