Same Day Emergency Dentistry!
Preserve Your Existing Teeth With Inlays and Onlays
At Caloosa Dental - Lehigh Acres, we work hard to conserve your own healthy tooth structure whenever possible. That's why when you have worn or cracked teeth, or have large silver fillings, our practice recommends porcelain inlays and onlays.
With an inlay, the porcelain bonds directly to the tooth enamel, which means it is both durable and beautiful. An onlay is used when the tooth structure may be compromised by the use of a crown. Ask us about a consultation if you feel you may need an onlay or an inlay.
What benefits do inlays and onlays provide?
Natural look: Inlays and onlays are designed to match your natural tooth color, creating a seamless blend that is nearly invisible compared to traditional metal fillings.
Great fit: Inlays and onlays are not affected by temperature changes, unlike metal fillings, as they do not expand or contract.
Longevity: Inlays and onlays have a lifespan of up to thirty years, surpassing all other filling options available.
Minimal tooth structure preserved: Inlays and onlays are dental treatments designed to save as much healthy tooth structure as possible by removing only a small portion of the tooth's surface. This method helps to restore areas damaged by decay or injury while reducing the loss of natural tooth structure.
Can you please explain how it is done?
Typically, two appointments are required for the placement of inlays and onlays. During the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a lab to create the permanent inlay or onlay. A temporary one will be placed to protect your tooth until the next appointment. During the second visit, the temporary material will be removed and the permanent inlay or onlay from the lab will be fitted onto your tooth.
