Restore Your Healthy, Functional Smile
Over time, teeth can become damaged or decayed, making simple tasks like chewing, speaking, and even smiling a challenge. Whether due to dental trauma or oral health issues, damaged teeth can lead to further health complications.
Inlays and onlays are unique fillings that can help restore your tooth’s function and appearance. At Luck Dental Clinic, Dr. Clemenson is proud to offer these restorations for patients whose tooth damage is too severe for a filling but not severe enough for a dental crown.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted fillings made out of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. These custom fillings can help restore part of a decayed or damaged tooth. Often referred to as partial crowns, inlays and onlays are popular cosmetic treatments permanently cemented onto the tooth.
There’s a bit of a difference between an onlay and an inlay. Inlays fill the area between your tooth cusps, while onlays cover the cusps. Unlike dental crowns, inlays and onlays only restore the part of your tooth that’s been damaged.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
These unique types of fillings come with a host of benefits, such as:
- Preserves natural tooth structure
- Durable and long-lasting
- Non-invasive procedure
- Stain-resistance
- Doesn’t require a special cleaning routine
- Maintain their shape over time
When Are Inlays and Onlays Necessary?
Dr. Clemenson may recommend either an inlay or onlay to solve several dental issues, such as:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
- Cosmetic enhancements
At your initial consultation, Dr. Clemenson will assess your situation and determine which treatment is best for you. Inlays and onlays are versatile treatments that can be used for several dental problems. Contact our Luck office at (715) 472-2211 to learn if these restorations may benefit you.
The Inlay and Onlay Process
Patients can receive an inlay or onlay in as few as two visits to our Luck dental office. Dr. Clemenson will begin by removing any infected tissues from the tooth to prepare it for restoration.
Once the tooth is ready, your Luck dentist will take an impression of the area to create the onlay or inlay. You’ll return to our Luck office once your permanent restoration is ready. Dr. Clemenson will place a temporary restoration in the meantime.
Dr. Clemenson will remove the temporary onlay or inlay before meticulously cleaning your tooth. She’ll then attach your inlay or onlay, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a natural and comfortable fit. You’re then ready to show off your restored smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of your inlay or onlay treatment depends on several factors, such as how many restorations you received. Dr. Vargas will provide you with a cost estimate at your initial consultation. We also suggest contacting your dental insurance provider ahead of time to learn what your plan will cover.
You can also visit our financing page to learn more about our affordable payment options. We accept payment through CareCredit and the Wells Fargo Health Advantage® Credit Card. These third-party financing options help patients cover the cost of their treatments while staying within their budget.
For patients without dental insurance, we also offer our in-house Dental Perks program to help save you money on your dental care. Contact our Luck office to learn more.
Onlays and inlays last for a relatively long time, only needing to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. Taking good care of your teeth plays an important role in the longevity of your restoration. Proper care includes brushing twice each day and flossing once each day, as well as rinsing with mouthwash between meals.
It’s also important to visit our Luck office at least twice a year for routine dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Clemenson will evaluate your oral health and restorations to ensure they’re in good condition.
Inlays, onlays, and fillings all have unique benefits. While no treatment is inherently better than another, they each have different purposes and advantages that the other can’t match. Dr. Clemenson will determine which is best for you at your initial consultation.