Inlays & Onlays
What if you had a damaged tooth that needed something more comprehensive than a white filling, but didn’t quite need a full coverage crown? That’s exactly what dental inlays and onlays are for! Each of our inlays and onlays are made of beautiful porcelain that not only enhances your smile’s appearance, but also strengthens the tooth. These types of cosmetic dental treatments are sometimes called three-quarter crowns, because they preserve such a large portion of damaged tooth surface.
Porcelain Dental Inlays
Dr. Seese can place inlays and onlays on most back teeth. They are matched to the color of your enamel, which causes them to blend in with the tooth, making it appear completely whole again. Porcelain inlays and on lays usually requires two appointments to complete. They are similar to having a crown made. At the first visit, the damaged tooth structure is removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. We will then take an impression of the prepped tooth to create a model of it, which is sent to our lab.
Our cosmetic lab technician uses Dr. Seese’s guidance to create a customized permanent restoration. In two weeks, you will return to have the inlay or onlay permanently cemented permanently into place.
Porcelain Dental Onlays
When are dental onlays recommended? We typically use them on teeth that can still be preserved without a crown, such as teeth that have experienced:
- Large decay
- Fractures
- Chipped enamel
In the past, most inlays and onlays were always made with gold. Although gold is useful for long-term wear on posterior teeth, it is not an aesthetically pleasing option. Dr. Seese uses porcelain, which also works very well for long-term use, but is more aesthetically pleasing.
Contact Smiles by Seese to schedule your inlay or onlay consultation at with Dr. Seese at our dental practice.