Inlays & Onlays
Inlays & Onlays
Inlays and onlays are a remarkable step forward in dental care, offering an effective solution to restore decayed or damaged teeth while preserving the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure. The process starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your dental health. Our expert team examines the affected tooth or teeth, determining the extent of damage and whether inlays or onlays are the ideal restorative option for you.
After the initial evaluation, we move on to preparing the tooth. This involves removing the decayed or damaged area, cleaning the tooth thoroughly to prevent any future decay, and then shaping the tooth in readiness for the inlay or onlay. The focus is on conservation, ensuring that healthy tooth structure is retained as much as possible.
Next is the mold creation step. An impression of your tooth is made, which serves as a blueprint for crafting your customized inlay or onlay in a dental laboratory. While this is being fabricated, a temporary inlay or onlay might be placed on your tooth to protect it.
On your next visit, the temporary inlay or onlay is removed, and the custom-fit piece is checked for proper fit and comfort. Our dental experts meticulously evaluate the inlay or onlay, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your bite and does not compromise your natural tooth function. Once satisfied with the fit, the inlay or onlay is permanently cemented into place and polished to match the rest of your teeth.
At the heart of this procedure is precision. Each inlay and onlay is precision-crafted to provide a perfect fit. But the benefits extend beyond accuracy. Inlays and onlays strengthen the overall structure of the tooth, increasing its resilience and longevity. The materials used mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, resulting in a restoration that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The result is a smile you can be proud of, restored with meticulous care and attention to detail. However, it’s not just about aesthetics or functionality. It’s about giving you back your confidence and peace of mind. And that’s precisely what you get when you choose the top-notch inlay and onlay dental services at Cosmo Smiles in Arlington, VA.
Inlays & Onlays FAQs
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are both types of dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. The major difference lies in the amount of tooth structure they replace. Inlays are used when the damage is within the cusps of the tooth, whereas onlays are used when the damage extends beyond one or more cusps of the tooth.
How long does the process for getting inlays or onlays take at Cosmo Smiles Dental?
The process of getting inlays or onlays typically involves two visits to our Arlington, VA clinic. During the first visit, your tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary inlay or onlay is placed. The second visit, which takes place once your custom-fit inlay or onlay has been fabricated in a dental laboratory, involves removing the temporary piece, checking the custom piece for fit and comfort, and then permanently cementing it into place.
What are the advantages of having inlays or onlays as opposed to other dental restoration procedures?
Inlays and onlays not only effectively restore decayed or damaged teeth but also ensure the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure is preserved. They are precision-crafted for a perfect fit, strengthening the overall structure of the tooth and increasing its resilience and longevity. The materials used mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, resulting in a restoration that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.