Inlays and Onlays in Boca Raton, FL
Dental inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are used to save and strengthen natural teeth that have been damaged by cavities and tooth decay. At Dental Care of Boca Raton, we believe in providing the most minimally invasive dental care options. Our goal is to save and preserve your natural teeth and help you maintain great oral health, which is why we use gold inlays and onlays to restore damaged teeth.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to restore the function and structure of a damaged tooth. An inlay is a composite that fits within the cusps (ridges) of the tooth, and an onlay covers the biting surface of a tooth. Inlays and onlays are incredibly strong and can last much longer than any other type of filling. With proper care, inlays and onlays can provide long-term protection against damage caused by cavities and decay.
- They can restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, chips, or cracks.
- They are custom-made to fit your teeth, so they provide the best possible results.
- They provide strength and support to the tooth for many years.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INLAY AND AN ONLAY?
The difference between a dental inlay and an onlay is the scope of coverage. An inlay is used to fill a cavity, whereas an onlay covers a more extensive area, such as replacing cusp tips, covering worn edges of back teeth, or replacing large portions of a missing tooth. They both provide restorative solutions for restoring form and function to damaged teeth.
Since inlays are used to cover a smaller portion of the tooth, they are less invasive than onlays and require less preparation of the tooth. For teeth that have more damage, onlays offer more support. Onlays are similar to dental crowns, but crowns are used for more extensive damage.
Gold: The Number One Choice for Inlays and Onlays
We use gold fillings for our inlays and onlays because it is the highest-quality material you can use to restore your natural teeth. It provides a strong fit and seal, which prevents bacterial acid leakage and future decay.
Gold is the safest and most bio-compatible material for use in dental restorations. It is a safe, hypo-allergenic, and highly effective long-term solution for dental repair and won’t damage your oral tissues.
Since gold is such a strong and long-lasting solution, your inlays or onlays won’t need to be replaced for many years, making them a cost-effective solution for decayed teeth.
Aftercare Instructions
After your procedure, maintaining your new dental restorations is easy. You can care for your newly restored tooth the same way you care for the rest of your healthy teeth. Brush twice per day, floss daily, and make sure to continue with regular dental visits at least twice per year.
Faqs About Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to restore small to medium-sized cavities, whereas crowns are used to restore more significant damage. A dental crown covers the entire biting surface of the tooth, whereas a dental inlay is placed inside the cusp, and a dental onlay covers part of the chewing surface.
If you have a cavity or damage to one or more of your teeth, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with our dentist. We can examine your teeth and create a treatment plan that is best suited to your needs.
As long as you practice good dental hygiene, you can expect your inlay or onlay to last up to 20 years or more.
No, inlays and onlays are designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.