Dental inlays and onlays are a good option for restoring teeth that have had too much decay for a normal filling but not so much that they need a full crown. They are an “in-between” option that can restore both normal function and strength to a tooth. A porcelain inlay or onlay from Dentist of Cerritos is an effective and natural-looking restorative dental treatment.
A porcelain inlay is used exclusively to cover the chewing surface of a tooth that has been damaged by decay. A porcelain onlay, which is sometimes called a partial crown, can cover both the chewing surface and part of the cusps of the tooth.
Both porcelain inlays and onlays are colored to match your natural teeth. Both are stronger than a regular filling.
Getting a porcelain inlay or onlay will require two visits to our Cerritos dentist office. During the first visit, your provider will remove the decay and prepare the tooth or teeth before taking an impression that will be used to create the porcelain inlay or onlay. If you’re getting a porcelain onlay, you will have to wear a temporary onlay until the permanent one is ready.
The impression will be sent to a dental lab that will custom make the porcelain inlay or onlay to fit your teeth and send it back to the Cerritos office. Once it arrives, you will return for the second visit to have it fitted.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are stronger than regular fillings and less expensive than full dental crowns. They’re a great option for restoring teeth that’s both effective and cost-efficient. Porcelain inlays and onlays will also be colored to match the color of your natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell that you have them.
You can choose to have your inlay or onlay made from other materials such as composites, metal alloys, or gold. Composites can stain or become discolored over time, however, and metal alloys and gold are highly visible.
You can also choose to have a full dental crown placed over the tooth instead of a porcelain inlay or onlay.
Porcelain inlays and onlays can from 5 to as long as 30 years if they’re well cared for. You take care of them the same way you care for your natural teeth, that is, by practicing good oral hygiene and getting cleanings at the Cerritos office twice a year.
If you grind your teeth in your sleep, talk to your provider about getting a mouthguard to protect both your porcelain inlays or onlays and your teeth. Teeth grinding is one of the major causes of breaking teeth and needing restorative treatments such as porcelain inlays and onlays.
The cost of porcelain inlays and onlays varies considerably based on the type, size, and the location of the tooth to be treated. Your dental insurance may cover some, all, or none of the cost of your porcelain inlays or onlays. The staff will contact your insurance to find out before presenting you with a treatment plan and cost estimate.
Find Out if a Porcelain Inlay or Onlay Is Right for You!
Call Dentist of Cerritos today at (562) 414-5064 and schedule a consultation to find out more about our porcelain inlays and onlays!
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