Dental Inlays & Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays can repair decayed and damaged areas between the cusps of the teeth, where fillings and crowns may not be suitable. At Elite Dental, our dentists utilize high-quality materials and CEREC® technology to restore your teeth in a single visit. If you believe receiving a dental inlay or onlay in American Fork, Utah, would benefit your smile, contact Drs. Steven and Randy and our team at 801-763-7737 today.

We offer Inlays and Onlays as an alternative to crowns and fillings. These are when something more substantial is needed for tooth repair. Inlays and Onlays help repair tooth decay and give you the ability to eat all of your favorite foods. Since we use porcelain for this procedure, your repaired tooth will have superior strength.

Inlays

We mold Inlays into the chewing surface of your tooth after decay has been removed. We create Inlays by using an imprint of the affected areas. Since they are manufactured according to your specific tooth, they will fit perfectly. The color is also matched as closely as possible to your natural tooth, so no one will notice you have had work done. If we determine you need an Inlay, it is because a regular filling will not be strong enough to fortify the tooth.

Onlays

We also use Onlays to treat decay and damage. The difference is that Onlays are used on the cusps of a tooth in addition to the biting surface. We use this procedure when a cavity is too large to fix with a regular filling or if the tooth has cracked due to weakness. An Onlay will strengthen the tooth and protect the decaying area from getting worse. We prepare your tooth by drilling out the cavity and taking an impression, which is then manufactured. This procedure also allows us to preserve the structure of your tooth, unlike a crown. These are sometimes referred to as partial crowns because they are similar in function to a crown and do not cover your entire tooth.

How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?

These are both extremely durable and long lasting. You can expect them to last at least 5 years. If you take great care of them, they can last up to 30 years. There are certain factors that would prevent your Inlays and Onlays from lasting as long as they should. The biggest factor is how well you maintain your dental hygiene habits. You still need to brush twice a day and floss every day. Coming in for your six month cleanings is also necessary. We can provide you with a nightguard if you struggle with grinding your teeth. We also advise that you stay away from extremely sticky, chewy, and hard foods to prevent damage.

Cost Of Inlays and Onlays?

Although we mainly use porcelain for this procedure, we do offer other alternatives that are still very effective. Porcelain is the most expensive because it is the most durable and least noticeable. You can opt for gold, which is more affordable. The downside to gold is that the color is very noticeable. If we are working on a tooth that is not as visible, gold is a cost effective alternative. You can also choose a composite resin. This is less expensive than porcelain. Composite resin is not resistant to discoloration and staining, so you will have to be careful when it comes to certain drinks and foods. As far as the extent of the procedure, it really depends on how much damage your tooth has suffered. More damage will increase the cost. Sedation is not required here, only a local anesthetic will be administered.

Onlay and Inlay Compared To A Crown

An Onlay and Inlay is not necessarily better than a crown, they are just used for different purposes. It really comes down to how much of your tooth can be preserved. If more of your tooth can be salvaged, we will recommend an Inlay or Onlay. Otherwise, a crown will need to be used to cover the entire tooth. Both of these procedures take skill and experience, so having one of our dental professionals perform this on your tooth is ideal.

Veneer Vs Onlay

A Veneer is not the same as an Onlay. We use Onlays to fill and protect extensive damages to one or more of your teeth, including the cusps. A veneer is a cosmetic procedure that is used to cover your teeth and hide imperfections like tooth length and alignment issues. Also, Onlays are done in order to fight tooth decay, a veneer cannot do this. Although they serve different purposes, they are very durable.

Overall, Inlays and Onlays are a great alternative to crowns, filling, and other types of dental restoration procedures. It really comes down to the current health of your teeth and which procedure will be the most effective. To find out if Inlays and Onlays are your best option, contact our office today to set up an appointment.