Preserve Your Teeth with Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are restorations made of either porcelain or composite resin, which are bonded to the tooth.

What is a porcelain inlay?

Inlays are used when partial damage is present only between the cusps. A porcelain inlay fits right within the cusps, or top edges, of a tooth. It helps in the restoration of a tooth and its looks after the latter gets decayed—a small piece aiding restoration.

What is onlay in dentistry?

A porcelain onlay is sort of similar, but it goes over one or more cusps of the tooth. It covers much more of the tooth, providing additional support when the damage extends across more than one or more cusps. Some people call it a partial crown because it covers more of the tooth than an inlay does. One big plus that dentists see in porcelain inlays and onlays is that they are a quite conservative way to restore teeth, since they allow more original tooth preservation as compared to traditional fillings or crowns.

What materials are used for dental inlays and onlays?

More recently, digital dentistry has again innovated the inlay and onlay process. With more fittings and quicker turnaround times using digital impressions and CAD/CAM technology, same-day restorations could sometimes be facilitated.  many new materials of porcelain approached the foreground, for example, zirconia. The base of the suburb is made of zirconia, which is one of the best materials known that boasts excellent strength and durability; hence this material can be used substantially for inlays and onlays taking substantial chewing. This material gives highly aesthetic finishes due to their natural resemblance to the tooth.

How are Inlays and Onlays Applied?

Porcelain Inlays or onlays normally take two or even three appointments for application to the dentist:

  1. Preparation of the tooth by removing the decayed portion or even damaged parts. And your dentist usually uses anesthesia for tooth preparation. A drill is used to eliminate the spoilt portion of your tooth.
  2. Impressions of the prepared tooth and the surrounding tissues, to help in creating a porcelain inlay or onlay fitting appropriately to the tooth structure.
  3. Fabrication of porcelain inlay or onlay after sending impressions to a dental laboratory. A qualified technician fabricates the inlay or onlay from a single piece of porcelain. Then, it is polished for a glossy, natural appearance.
  4. Bonding fabricated porcelain restoration with a very strong adhesive. A special light will be used to harden the bonding agent right into a very strong and secure position.
  5. Polishing which is a final step. Your dentist will polish the restoration to ensure it has a smooth finish that blending in with the surrounding teeth.

Critical Factors to Consider

  • Applicability: Inlays and onlays are applicable where the teeth are moderately damaged and don’t require a crown.
  • Durability: Porcelain inlays and onlays are very hard wearing and will last for years provided you look after them well.
  • Aesthetic: Porcelain colour almost resembles natural teeth.

How Much Do They Cost?

depending on the procedure complication and the material amount used, it may cost $650 -$1,200 per tooth.

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays Advantages

  • conservative
  • aesthetic 
  • long-lasting solution to damaged teeth

Contact Us Today!

Transform your smile with porcelain inlays and onlays at Razavi Dental. Our experienced team in Philadelphia is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality dental care.

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