Enhance Your Smile with Durable Restorations
Inlays and Onlays: The Superior Choice for Lasting Dental Health
Discover the benefits of inlays and onlays at Small Dental, where advanced techniques meet personalized care for stronger, healthier teeth.
Understanding Inlays and Onlays
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?
Key Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer several compelling benefits over traditional fillings. Their durability ensures that your restoration will last for many years, providing a stable and strong solution for damaged teeth. Unlike other treatments, inlays and onlays are designed to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, enhancing both the health and integrity of your teeth. Additionally, with materials like porcelain and resin composite, these restorations can be crafted to match the natural shade of your teeth, ensuring a beautiful, seamless smile. Choose inlays and onlays for a treatment that combines strength, preservation, and aesthetic appeal.
Custom Fit and Aesthetic Appeal
Each inlay or onlay is tailored to fit your tooth precisely, ensuring comfort and a seamless blend with your natural teeth. With options like gold, porcelain, or color matched resin composite, these restorations can match the natural color of your teeth, providing a seamless integration with your smile.
Exceptional Durability
Inlays and onlays are crafted from high-quality materials like gold, porcelain, or resin composite, offering long-lasting strength and resistance to wear. Unlike fillings, which can wear down over time, inlays and onlays provide long-term strength and stability.
Explore Our Material Options
At Small Dental, we offer a range of materials for inlays and onlays to suit your needs. Gold is renowned for its unparalleled durability, making it the perfect choice for those who require a robust solution that can withstand significant chewing forces. For a more natural look, porcelain and resin composites are excellent alternatives, seamlessly blending with your natural tooth color for an aesthetically pleasing finish. Each material is selected to ensure longevity and a perfect fit, providing you with a restoration that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
Cast gold inlays have replaced old silver fillings (gold foils can be seen on the sides of the molars).
Before: Large old amalgam filling with cracks and worn edges After: Cast gold inlay has replaced the old amalgam filling.
Old and worn amalgams have been replaced with porcelain inlays.
Before: Old ill fitting tooth-colored restoration After: Much better fitting and longer lasting cast gold inlay
Before: Broken tooth with old fillings and decay After: New cast gold onlay which goes over the top of three cusps
Before: Broken tooth with old fillings and decay After: New cast gold onlay which goes over the top of three cusps
“Dr. Small and her staff are truly exceptional. Always caring concerned about the patient. Extremely gentle.“
Domenic R
5 Star Review on Google
Even though I am out of network for Dr. Small, I love coming to this practice because the staff treats me like family. My kids grew up at this practice! Meticulous cleaning and detailed explanation of the underlying teeth issues are exceptional.
I highly recommend Dr Kaitlin Small and her friendly, professional staff at Small Dental. My husband and I have gone there for dental visits for many years.
Have been going to this practice every six months since moving to the Princeton area of New Jersey in 1996 and recommend it for perfect dental attention every time.
FAQ’s About Inlays and Onlays at Small Dental
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for regular fillings but do not require a full crown. Inlays fit within the center of a tooth, while onlays cover one or more sides of the tooth and part of the chewing surface.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is their size and coverage. An inlay fits within the center of a tooth and covers one or two sides, while an onlay is larger and covers more of the tooth, including part or all of the chewing surface.
When might I need an inlay or onlay?
ou might need an inlay or onlay if a cavity is too large or if the tooth has sustained significant damage. Regular fillings may not be enough to restore the tooth’s strength and function, so inlays and onlays provide extra durability and stability.
What materials can inlays and onlays be made from?
Inlays and onlays can be made from gold, resin composite, or porcelain. Gold is the most durable but may not match the natural color of your teeth. Porcelain and resin composite offer a good balance of durability and esthetics, blending well with your smile.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
The lifespan of inlays and onlays varies depending on the material used and how well you maintain your oral hygiene. Gold inlays and onlays can last up to 20 years or more, while porcelain and resin composite may need replacement every 5-15 years.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure for getting an inlay or onlay is generally not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before placing the restoration. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
How many visits are required for an inlay or onlay?
Typically, two visits are required for an inlay or onlay. During the first visit, the dentist prepares the tooth, takes impressions, and places a temporary restoration. During the second visit, the permanent inlay or onlay is fitted and bonded into place.
Does dental insurance cover inlays and onlays?
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for inlays and onlays, especially if they are used to repair teeth damaged by decay or injury. Coverage varies, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider before the procedure.
What should I expect after getting an inlay or onlay?
After the procedure, you may need to wait for the anesthesia to wear off before eating. Once your inlay or onlay is permanently bonded, you can eat normally. However, it’s recommended to avoid hard foods that could damage the restoration.
What should I do if my inlay or onlay becomes loose or damaged?
If your inlay or onlay becomes loose or damaged, it’s important to contact your dentist promptly. Leaving it untreated can lead to further damage to the tooth or surrounding structures. Your dentist can repair or replace it as needed.
Enhance Your Smile Today
Ready to upgrade your dental care? Contact Small Dental today to learn more about how inlays and onlays can provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for your dental needs. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step. Don’t wait—secure your appointment now and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Schedule Your Appointment
Ready for a Healthier, Brighter Smile?
Schedule your appointment with Small Dental today and experience personalized, expert dental care in Lawrence Township, NJ. Don’t wait—take the first step toward optimal oral health now!
Your Smile Deserves the Best – Call us at +1 (609) 896-0529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your appointment today!