Keeping your smile strong and healthy means choosing the right dental solutions when damage occurs. Inlays and onlays offer a custom-fit restoration that strengthens weakened teeth without the need for a full crown. They provide a precise, long-lasting fix for decay or fractures while maintaining a natural look. Apolonia Smiles in Pflugerville, TX is here to help. Schedule your consultation today!
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are tooth restorations that repair damage while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible. Unlike fillings, which are placed directly inside a cavity, these restorations are custom-made and bonded to the tooth for a secure fit. They are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring strength and durability.
- Custom-fit design: Matches your tooth’s shape for a seamless appearance.
- Stronger than fillings: Offers enhanced durability for long-term protection.
- Minimally invasive: Requires less removal of healthy enamel.
- Blends naturally: Designed to match the shade of surrounding teeth.
Inlays Vs. Fillings: What’s The Difference?
Both options restore damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes based on the level of decay. Fillings are used for smaller cavities and are applied directly to the tooth, while inlays are pre-made restorations that fit precisely into larger areas. Onlays take it a step further by covering one or more cusps for extra reinforcement.
- Inlays: Placed inside the grooves of a tooth for a precise fit.
- Custom fit: Ideal for treating cavities that do not affect the cusps.
- Onlays: Extends over one or more cusps for added strength.
- Extra coverage: Protects larger areas of damage without needing a full crown.
How Inlays & Onlays Strengthen Your Teeth
Choosing inlays and onlays means giving your teeth an extra layer of strength. These restorations are designed to handle daily wear, resist fractures, and protect against further decay. Their precise fit helps seal the tooth, preventing bacteria from causing additional damage.
- Long-lasting solution: Withstands pressure from chewing and biting.
- Seamless restoration: Matches the natural look of your teeth.
- Cavity prevention: Shields vulnerable areas from bacteria buildup.
- Preserves structure: Maintains more of your natural tooth than a crown.
The Process Of Getting An Inlay Or Onlay
The procedure is simple and designed for your comfort. First, your dental care provider removes any decay and prepares the tooth. A digital scan or impression is taken to create a perfectly shaped restoration that will later be bonded in place.
- Tooth preparation: The damaged or decayed portion is carefully removed.
- Impression or scan: A digital or physical mold is taken for a precise fit.
- Custom fabrication: The inlay or onlay is crafted from durable materials.
- Secure bonding: The restoration is permanently attached for long-lasting strength.
Are Inlays & Onlays Right For You?
Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, and inlays and onlays offer a reliable middle-ground solution. If a cavity is too large for a filling but not severe enough to require a full crown, these restorations provide the strength and coverage your tooth needs. They are durable, natural-looking, and help preserve as much of your healthy tooth as possible.
- Great for moderate decay: A strong alternative when a filling is not enough.
- Long-lasting durability: Provides better protection than traditional fillings.
- Aesthetic and functional: Blends with your smile while reinforcing the tooth.
- Minimally invasive: Preserves more of your natural enamel than a crown.
Reinforce Your Smile With Confidence & Strength
Protecting your teeth starts with choosing the right restoration. Inlays and onlays offer a reliable, long-term solution that keeps your smile looking and feeling great. Apolonia Smiles in Pflugerville, TX is ready to help you restore your teeth with expert care. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile!