What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?
Making a lasting impression is always important. One of the very first features people notice about you is your smile. Appearance aside, maintaining optimal oral health is important for the entire body as well. When it comes to dental restorations, there are many options, two of them being porcelain inlays and onlays.
Inlays and onlays are a type of cosmetic dental restorative procedure. Also known as partial crowns or fillings, inlays and onlays are used to remedy low to moderate levels of tooth decay. In the event that a tooth has been chipped, broken or damaged, we may recommend onlays or inlays depending on the severity of the damage to the tooth.
The difference between porcelain inlays and onlays is where the filling is placed on the tooth itself. The name of each is pretty self-explanatory. Porcelain inlays are fitted into the space in the tooth, or the cavity of the tooth, to maximize chewing capabilities. While a porcelain onlay can extend to encompass the outer edges of the tooth to strengthen it.
Advancements in dental technologies and materials have made it possible to re-create your tooth without the need for metal amalgam fillings. Today there is dental porcelain that matches your tooth color and can leave you with a whole, bright, natural-looking smile.
If you have a damaged tooth due to an injury or from tooth decay, you could be a great candidate for porcelain inlays or onlays. Our dentists and the experienced staff at the DENTAL STUDIO can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve through a comprehensive range of dental procedures.
State-Of-The-Art Tooth Restorations
At the DENTAL STUDIO, all-porcelain inlays, onlays and crowns are the preferred choice. They contain no metal, which is particularly beneficial for people with a metal allergy. They are also mercury-free, which allows our patients to avoid the potential toxic presence of mercury. They can be used on back and front teeth.
The process for getting an inlay/onlay usually includes the following:
- A consultation with the dentist to establish your oral health condition and to ensure that a porcelain inlay and/or onlay is the right option
- A preparatory appointment, during which impressions, scans and x-rays may be taken so that the dentist can see the anatomy of the tooth and jaw
- An appointment to have the inlay or onlay placed after it has been custom made for your tooth
Need Porcelain Inlays Or Onlays?
To find out if a porcelain inlay or onlay can restore your dental health and the appearance of your smile, please call the DENTAL STUDIO 415-392-5025. Dr. Jarrod Cornehl and Dr. Peter Fredrickson are experienced dentists in San Francisco, and they proudly provide care for people from across the Bay Area, including San Rafael, Oakland and Berkeley.