Broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can come with a substantial amount of pain and discomfort. It may become tough to eat, speak clearly, or go about your day without feeling distracted by the damage to your smile. While some severe cases may call for a dental crown, other, more moderate cases of broken teeth can be treated with a less invasive dental inlays and onlays.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Compared to dental crowns, dental inlays and onlays are a less invasive porcelain restoration ideal for treating damage to the crown of teeth. Typically, dental inlays are used to repair damage or decay between the cusps of teeth or the bumps on molars. If a tooth has one or more broken cusps, Dr. Ashraf will recommend a dental onlay instead. While these treatments may provide less coverage than a dental crown, inlays and onlays provide precise treatment solutions that do not require full tooth alterations like a crown would. In many cases, this more conservative approach to restorative dental care improves and preserves the overall health of a patient’s smile.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings and Crowns
With so many cosmetic restoration options available, it’s no wonder why patients face confusion when choosing the right treatment for your smile. Here’s some of the reasons and scenarios where our dentist may recommend dental inlays and onlays instead of composite fillings or porcelain crowns.
- Inlays and onlays offers more coverage than composite fillings.
- As inlays and onlays are only made of porcelain, patients receive a natural looking restoration that blends in with their smile.
- Inlays and onlays do not require the same tooth preparation as dental crowns, protecting teeth from alteration.
- The porcelain used to create dental inlays and onlays is built to last, providing patients with a long-term dental solution.
For your convenience, Dr. Ashraf uses CEREC CAD/CAM dental technology to design and manufacture your dental solution right in our Waterloo, ON office. Thanks to this innovative dental technology you can restore your smile in just one visit.
Explore Dental Inlays & Onlays Today
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive cosmetic restoration, contact Dr. Ashraf today. We’ll help you find a dental solution that improves both your smile and self-confidence. Call us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between inlays and onlays?
An inlay is placed over the surface of your tooth between the cusps, while an onlay sits on top of the tooth and covers the cusps entirely. Inlays are generally used as an alternative to fillings, while onlays are used as a substitute for dental crowns. Both treatments help to strengthen your teeth and restore their appearance.
When should I get an inlay or onlay?
Inlays and onlays offer a convenient and minimally-invasive middle ground between fillings and dental crowns. When your tooth has suffered damage that’s too extensive for a filling, but not so severe that it requires a dental crown, inlays and onlays are often an ideal solution. Both of these solutions will repair a tooth that’s moderately damaged or decayed.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays are made from highly durable materials that are designed to strengthen your teeth. With proper care, these restorations can last up to 30 years. Typically, an inlay or onlay will last for at least ten to fifteen years before it needs to be replaced.