801-566-3332Dr. Stephen Wright offers dental inlays and onlays to give you back a healthy smile! Dental inlays or onlays may be recommended when your tooth has sustained damage but does not require a full crown, and they work to preserve as much of your original tooth structure as possible to promote better long-term oral health. Call Wright Family Dental at 801-566-3332 to set up a consultation with our skilled dentist and learn more about how dental inlays and onlays in Midvale, Utah, can benefit you.
Dental inlays and onlays are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. Inlays are small, custom-made restorations similar to fillings that are placed within the tooth. Onlays are larger than inlays and cover the entire chewing surface of the tooth. Both procedures are performed by a dentist and usually require two visits. Inlays and onlays are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns” and are typically recommended when the damage to your teeth is not extensive enough to require a full dental crown but requires more than a simple filling.
Inlays and onlays are made from a variety of materials, including gold, composite resin and porcelain. Gold is the most durable option but is also the most expensive. Composite resin is less expensive than gold but not as strong. Porcelain is strong and looks like natural tooth enamel, making it the most popular choice for inlays and onlays.
The first step in getting dental inlays or onlays is to schedule a consultation with our dentist. During the consultation, he will examine your teeth and determine if inlays or onlays would be a good option for your smile. If you are a good candidate, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a laboratory where the inlays or onlays will be made. Your inlays or onlays can be custom made to fit your teeth perfectly and fully restore the health, function and appearance of your teeth and smile.
You will then need to return to our office for a second appointment to have the inlays or onlays placed. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour. First, our dentist will remove any decay from the tooth. Next, he will place the inlay or onlay into the tooth and secure it with dental cement. Finally, the inlays or onlays will be polished to match the rest of your teeth.
Dental inlays and onlays can last for many years with proper care. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and see our dentist and team for regular checkups. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, be sure to talk to our team. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you make the best decision for your smile. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and learn more!