Inlays and Onlays
Wylie, Texas
Inlays and onlays serve as indirect restorations for molars and premolars affected by decay or trauma. These treatments fit more securely and last longer than fillings, strengthen compromised teeth, and preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns.
Inlays vs. Onlays
An inlay addresses damage inside the cusps of a tooth, treating cavities, small cracks, and fractures when standard fillings would compromise tooth integrity.
An onlay typically covers the center of the tooth and one or more cusps, preventing additional damage when cusps are cracked, broken, or decayed.
The Treatment Process
The treatment requires minimum two appointments:
- First appointment: Numbing the area, treating decay, shaping the tooth, taking impressions, and placing temporary protection
- Laboratory fabrication: A laboratory fabricates the permanent restoration to exact specifications
- Second visit: The temporary restoration is removed and the permanent one is bonded
Material Options
- Gold - Most durable but expensive
- Ceramic or porcelain - Stain-resistant and aesthetically matched
- Composite - Most affordable but less stain-resistant
