What are Inlays and Onlays?

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Want a healthy smile? Inlays and onlays can make your smile healthy again. Inlays and onlays are used to restore decayed and damaged cosmetic dentistryteeth. Dr. Terry Lin at Northern Westchester Prosthodontics in Katonah, NY, offers inlays and onlays to their patients. Here's everything you need to know about inlays and onlays.

Dental Inlays Overview

Dental inlays fit inside the cusps, or rounded edges of the teeth. Dental inlays are made of a solid substance, such as composite resin, or porcelain. Dental inlays are more durable than fillings. They're also less expensive than permanent crowns.

Dental Onlays Overview

Dental onlays can be made from gold, composite resin, or porcelain. Onlays are more extensive that inlays and extend over the cusps of the treated teeth. An onlay is the same as an inlay, except that it covers the cusps or the entire chewing surface of the tooth. Dental onlays last considerably longer than dental fillings.

The Use of Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to repair teeth with decay or cracked or broken teeth that are not sufficiently damaged to need a dental crown. Dental onlays and inlays are also used when old dental fillings need to be replaced. Inlays and onlays can improve the appearance of your smile and strengthen your damaged teeth. Composite resin and porcelain inlays and onlays can be tinted so that they match the color of your natural teeth.

The Inlay & Onlay Procedure in Katonah

During your first visit, your dentist will examine your tooth and remove any decay, if applicable. Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth to be treated and send it to a laboratory, where the restoration will be fabricated. A temporary filling can be placed on the tooth to protect it. During your second visit, the filling will be removed and your inlay or onlay will be bonded onto your tooth. 

If you need an inlay or onlay, why wait? We can help you today. Call Northern Westchester Prosthodontics at 914-232-8190 today to schedule a dental consultation in Katonah, NY. We want all our patients to have strong, healthy smiles that look great, too.

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