Inlays And Onlays
-
- Tweet
A to Z Dental Studio
General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Fairfax, VA
Gone are the days of bulky metal fillings that draw unwanted attention to your smile. At A to Z Dental Studio in Fairfax, Virginia, Hiba Zakhour, DDS, performs restorations with inlays and onlays to restore your smile without filling your mouth with metal. Inlays and onlays come in a variety of materials for your treatment goals, lifestyle, and budget. To schedule an appointment today, call A to Z Dental Studio or book a visit online today.
Inlays and Onlays Q & A
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations made from composite materials, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. They can conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have experienced damage from decay or trauma.
While inlays and onlays are similar, they each serve their own function. Inlays are an ideal alternative for conventional silver and composite fillings, though A to Z Dental Studio does offer tooth-colored fillings for smaller cavities.
Meanwhile, onlays are often called partial crowns (tooth-shaped caps) because they can treat the chewing cusps of your teeth, unlike inlays.
Why would I need inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can fully restore your teeth if you have:
- Tooth decay
- Large fillings
- Fractured fillings
- Broken or fractured teeth
These restorations can also enhance the shape, color, and appearance of your teeth if you’re unhappy with the way they look.
What is the process like for getting inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays typically take two visits to plan and place. A to Z Dental Studio uses a digital X-ray machine to create your treatment plan and ensure proper placement.
The most common material people choose with inlays and onlays is porcelain because it’s strong, durable, and natural-looking. Porcelain is a stain-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about discoloration with porcelain inlays and onlays.
Your first visit for inlays and onlays includes taking several highly accurate impressions of your teeth to serve as models for your new restorations. During this initial appointment, your provider also removes any old fillings and decay from your teeth to prepare for your inlays and onlays.
After cleaning and reshaping your affected teeth, your provider applies temporary fillings to protect your teeth while you wait for your restorations. Porcelain onlays are created in an outside laboratory, so they may take a few weeks to make.
At your final visit, your provider places your inlays and onlays and cements them in place after making any necessary adjustments.
Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular dental visits to A to Z Dental Studio can significantly extend the life of your inlays and onlays.
To learn more, call A to Z Dental Studio or schedule an appointment online today.