Restorative dentistry has come a long way over the years and there are now several effective ways to repair decayed teeth. In this post from Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City, we are going to focus on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less invasive replacement for 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 correct 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 strong and look very natural because the color can be matched accurately to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is precisely fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the initial 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 commonly 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 a vital role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Kenneth Hovden DDS in Daly City we have repaired many smiles with inlays and onlays. Patients from San Mateo, Pacifica, and Half Moon Bay come to our practice for complete general dentistry, and for special services like snoring treatment. Call to scheduel an appointment today!
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
