What Are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

Porcelain inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are made of porcelain, a white material known for its durability, strength, and ability to mimic the look of natural teeth. Porcelain inlays and onlays can be used to restore the function and appearance of teeth damaged by decay, trauma, or other factors. These restorations can also improve the appearance of your smile.

What Is the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are similar in many ways, but they are used to repair different types of damage. Inlays are used to repair damage to the chewing surfaces of teeth, while onlays are used to repair damage to the cusps or the pointed parts of the teeth that help in chewing. Both types of restorations are custom-made to fit the shape and size of the damaged tooth, and they are designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

How Are Inlays and Onlays Applied?

Getting porcelain inlays and onlays typically involves two appointments at Juban Cowen Dental Care. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing any decay or damage and then take an impression of the tooth. This impression will be used to create a custom-made porcelain restoration that fits precisely into the damaged area of the tooth.

While the restoration is being fabricated in a dental laboratory, your dentist will place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect it from further damage. Once the porcelain restoration is ready, the temporary restoration will be removed, and the porcelain inlay or onlay will be bonded onto the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. The restoration will be polished to blend in with the surrounding teeth, and you can use the restored tooth immediately.

Benefits of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are preferred by many patients and dentists because they offer several advantages over other types of dental restorations. They are highly durable, resistant to wear and tear, and less likely to crack or break than restoration, such as fillings. They are also very aesthetic and can be customized to match the color and shape of the patient’s natural teeth. Additionally, porcelain inlays and onlays require the removal of less healthy tooth structure than other types of restorations, such as dental crowns, which helps preserve the tooth’s strength and integrity.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are a safe and effective way to restore damaged or decayed teeth when a filling is too small or a dental crown is not needed. They offer many benefits over other types of restorations and can help to improve the function and appearance of the teeth for many years. If you are experiencing tooth damage or decay, contact our team at Juban Cowen Dental Care. We can schedule an appointment with Dr. Juban or Dr. Cowen to discuss whether porcelain inlays or onlays may be a good option for you. Call our dental center in Baton Rouge, LA, to book your visit.