Inlays/Onlays: Less Invasive Than Complete Crowns

cosmetic dental White PlainsRestorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to fix decayed teeth. In this post from The Dental Design Center in White Plains, we concentrate on two similar types of restorations: inlays and onlays.

Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive substitute 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 created 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 fix the surface of a damaged tooth, usually 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 substantial and look very natural because the color can be matched precisely to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is specifically fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions like the original 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 usually applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are specifically 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 critical role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.

AT The Dental Design Center in White Plains we offer complete restorative dentistry services. People from Scarsdale, Westchester County, and New Castle also come to us for comprehensive general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today!

Contact The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S.:

914-683-5898

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

280 Dobbs Ferry Rd Ste 104
White Plains, New York
10607

 

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