Inlays and Onlays Treatment By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on August 20, 2012

Dental fillings no longer need to be an eyesore. Inlays and onlays offer a great cosmetic alternative to traditional metal fillings. Inlays and onlays are perfect for restoring both the look and strength of your teeth. Dr. Danny O'Keefe, your experienced Jackson cosmetic dentist, offers the latest treatment options in restorative dentistry.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored restorative treatments made of either composite resin or porcelain. Inlays and onlays are similar in that both are used for treating tooth decay. Inlays and onlays differ from one another in placement and coverage.

• Inlays: Inlays are designed to treat decay within the cusps on the biting surface of the tooth. The cusps are the bumpy structures on the top of the teeth that aid in chewing.
• Onlays: Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns and are designed to treat teeth with more extensive decay or damage. Onlays are used when the damage involves one or mores cusps.

What Is Inlay and Onlay Treatment?

Inlays and onlays treatment is used to restore teeth damaged by tooth decay. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to match your teeth, offering a cosmetically appealing solution to restoring damaged teeth.

The process for inlay and onlay treatment generally requires two dental visits. During the first visit, the damaged tooth is prepared. Preparation involves removing all decay and then cleaning the tooth. An impression of the tooth will be made and a temporary filling will be placed. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory and used to custom-make the inlay or onlay.

Once the inlay or onlay is completed, a second dental visit is required to place the restoration. The temporary filling is removed and the inlay or onlay is fitted and cemented into place.

Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays offer a better cosmetic choice in tooth repair than their traditional metal filling counterparts. There are many benefits to choosing inlays and onlays.

• Aesthetics: Porcelain and composite resin mimic the natural tooth in color and reflective properties. These materials allow your bright, white smile to shine through.
• Durability: Porcelain and composite resin inlays and onlays are very durable and will last longer than traditional metal fillings.
• Preservation: Less of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed in order to place an inlay or onlay. This helps preserve the strength of the tooth when compared to large fillings that can weaken the tooth's walls.
• No Discoloration: Silver fillings are prone to discoloring the surrounding tooth to a grayish tint. This is not a risk with tooth-colored composite resin or porcelain inlays and onlays.

Allow Dr. O'Keefe to Restore Your Smile.

Replace your old metal fillings with our tooth-colored inlays and onlays. We also offer our patients in Jackson dental crowns to restore the strength and beauty of their teeth. Schedule a consultation with our practice today. Dr. O'Keefe will perform a full exam to determine which dental treatment is appropriate for you. We look forward to fulfilling all of your dental needs.