If you are looking to transform your smile and protect your teeth, you may want to look into getting inlays and onlays. Also known as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are ideal for patients looking to repair any specific damage to their teeth. More specifically, inlays are alternatives for traditional metal fillings, while onlays repair more intensive damage on the teeth. Read on to learn more about how inlays and onlays can transform your smile and improve your quality of life.
- Brighten and Whiten Your Smile
While there are many ways to brighten your natural teeth, it is a well-known fact that it is difficult to keep your teeth white. So, it might be in your best interest to consider inlays and onlays, as they are made up of durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold. While all these materials can replace damaged or decayed portions of your teeth, porcelain and resin onlays will bring an authentic and white tone to your smile that is difficult to achieve with dental strips or whitening toothpaste. In addition, porcelain has a very natural look, so your inlays will not look unnatural in your smile. By getting onlays or inlays, you are giving yourself a better chance at a rejuvenated and whiter smile, in addition to restoring your teeth.
- Extend Your Teeth’s Lifespan
Inlays and onlays are also a great form of restorative dentistry and solution for those looking to extend their teeth’ lifespan. As stated above, inlays and onlays are created from highly durable materials designed to last a lifetime and resist and prevent any damage or degradation. Compared to crowns and fillings, onlays and inlays are long-term solutions for those seeking restorative dentistry and are not likely to need any replacement during their lifetime.
- Select the Durable Solution for Your Damaged Teeth
If you have any particular type of damage to your teeth, your dentist may recommend onlays and inlays as the solution. Inlays are typically used to fill and address cavities and other damages, while onlays are used for more severe damage seen on the cusp of a patient’s tooth. Yet, both inlays and onlays are cemented to your tooth once the damaged portion is prepared and removed. Because dentists use cement to apply inlays and onlays, they have proven to be an extremely durable solution to fix your damaged teeth. They also create a tight seal over your teeth that helps to prevent any further infections or damages. Even more, these materials are long-lasting and scratch-resistant, which makes them perfect for the long haul.
- They Are the Best and Safest Solution for Your Overall Dental Health
Getting an inlay or an onlay can improve your dental hygiene. Because inlays and onlays are cemented to the damaged part of your tooth, bacteria and any other infections cannot enter any crevices in your teeth or gums. In fact, the cement will form a perfect and secure seal to keep out anything that might threaten your teeth — because of this, getting inlays or onlays will also prevent any further damages caused by infections or diseases.
- Strengthen Your Teeth
Now that we know that inlays and onlays are durable solutions for many patients, it is also essential to know how these dental restorations can significantly impact and strengthen your teeth. Metal fillings weaken the strength of your teeth by up to 50%, while inlays can strengthen your teeth up to 75% after receiving treatment. This is extremely important to consider because weak teeth can often lead to more damage to your teeth in the long run and can even bring on infections and diseases.
- Don’t Worry About Expanded Fillings
Some alternatives to inlays and onlays are crowns and fillings. However, even though crowns and fillings are the right fit for some patients, it is essential to know that fillings can sometimes expand and contract over time. Because of this, those with fillings often need to replace the original ones and pay more in dental bills over time. Even worse, expanded fillings cause the patient pain and discomfort during the process. Luckily, inlays and onlays made of porcelain, gold, or resin do not have a risk of expansion. With inlays and onlays, you never have to worry about your dental restorations falling out or causing you any pain or damage due to contractions or expansions.
- Save on Future Dental Costs
By investing in inlays and onlays, you can eliminate any future dental bills commonly seen in other dental restoration procedures. Because dental inlays and onlays are incredibly long-lasting and highly durable, you will be less likely to require any replacements or additional dental visits. Even more, you are strengthening your teeth and extending their lifetime by installing inlays and onlays, and because of this, you are helping to prevent any future tooth damage.
Overall, inlays and onlays have proven to be the most convenient and effective restorative dentistry solution for those seeking it. As stated above, inlays and onlays are a highly durable and long-term solution to damage teeth and should be considered for anyone who could benefit from them.
If you would like to learn more about inlays and onlays, give Carlsbad Dental Associates a call today.
Located in Carlsbad, California, Dr. Edward Adourian is an experienced, renowned specialist in all things dental. From general dentistry to family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Adourian and his team can help you and your loved ones with all your dental needs. Our experienced professionals here at Carlsbad Dental Associates are more than happy to help you with Invisalign, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and so much more. Give us a call today at (760)918-9000.
