Inlays and Onlays in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Inlays

Inlays are a dental restoration used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage. They are custom-made dental restorations typically crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. Inlays are designed to fit precisely within the grooves and cusps of a tooth, effectively replacing the damaged or decayed portion. 

Unlike dental fillings, which are placed directly onto the tooth and molded in place, inlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory based on impressions of the prepared tooth. This ensures a precise fit and optimal functionality. Once the inlay is ready, it is bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. 

The Benefits of Inlays 

• Inlays closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance. 
• Inlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving more of the natural tooth than a dental crown.  
• Inlays can be used to restore teeth in various areas of the mouth, including molars and premolars. 
• By restoring the tooth's structure, inlays provide additional support and prevent further damage or decay. 

Onlays

Onlays are a type of dental restoration used to repair and restore teeth that have more extensive damage or decay than what can be addressed with a traditional dental filling but do not require the full coverage provided by a dental crown. Onlays are also known as partial crowns because they cover a more significant portion of the tooth than inlays. 

Similar to inlays, onlays are custom-made dental restorations crafted from porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin materials. They are designed to fit precisely over the damaged or decayed area of the tooth, extending over one or more of the tooth's cusps. 

The Benefits of Onlays 

• Onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to dental crowns, preserving more of the natural tooth. 
• Like inlays, onlays closely match the color and translucency of natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural appearance. 
• Onlays can be used to restore teeth in various areas of the mouth, including molars and premolars. 
• Restoring the tooth's structure, onlays provide additional support, preventing further damage or decay.  

Inlays and onlays offer an excellent compromise between traditional fillings and dental crowns, providing a conservative yet effective approach to restoring damaged teeth. If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, visit The Dental Spa at 141 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, or call (610) 664-7244 to determine the most suitable treatment option for your dental needs.