Porcelain Inlays & Onlays

Have you been told you could benefit from receiving an inlay or onlay? Are you seeking a St. Louis dentist that performs these procedures? Here at Masterpiece Smiles, we work hard to improve the quality of your grin, one tooth at a time. Our skilled professionals can restore your smile by using conservative tooth restoration like inlays or onlays. It’s less invasive and can shield your teeth from further decay.

A porcelain inlay or onlay is a practical alternative to a dental crown or the traditional composite filling. Depending on your unique situation, either inlays or onlays are added to improve the integrity of your teeth. Inlays fortify your teeth and boost your chew strength.

Meant to restore teeth with mild-to-moderate tooth decay, the reparative properties of these indirect fillings provide long-term solutions for tooth preservation. Porcelain resin is fabricated via a lab to later be bonded to your damaged tooth. The differences between inlay and onlay procedures are based on the extent of decay involved. Inlays repair the inner cavity of your teeth. Onlays address both the inner cavity and overlap the side of the damaged tooth.

Of all the materials dentists use to strengthen your teeth during this procedure, porcelain is the most appealing. It creates long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results. Discoloration is common in composite resin, a porcelain inlay helps you keep the color and smile you desire.

Inlays and onlays protect the cavities of your teeth from total collapse. When you suffer from tooth decay, these options strengthen teeth structure. They are durable, can improve the appearance of your smile, and can last up to 30 years.

1. Preparation – At the first appointment, the dentist creates a molded impression of your tooth and sends the mold to the lab.

2. Preservation – While waiting for the fabrication to get back from the lab, your dentist may create a temporary restoration to preserve your tooth.

3. Pick a material – For teeth like back molars, the material used is rarely fully visible. If the inlay or onlay is on one of your front teeth, porcelain is the most attractive option.

4. Removal & Placement – At your second appointment, your temporary restoration is removed and your fabricated inlay or onlay is placed.

Visit your local dentist in St. Louis for regular teeth cleanings and make sure to brush and floss accordingly. Thankfully, inlays and onlays are extremely simple to clean.

For more information on how Masterpiece Smiles can help you strengthen your grin, schedule an appointment today!