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When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.

Inlay and Onlay Dental Office

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays at McGann Family Dental: Precision Restoration for Damaged Teeth

When decay or damage affects more than half of a tooth’s surface, inlays and onlays can provide a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution. These restorations are custom-made to repair and reinforce damaged teeth, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of restorations designed to repair damaged or decayed areas of a tooth. Made from porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes gold, these pieces are bonded directly to the tooth, offering a seamless and resilient repair.

  • Inlays: Used to restore damage within the cusps (top edges) of the tooth, inlays fit neatly into the tooth’s grooves, similar to a filling but with enhanced durability.
  • Onlays: When damage extends over one or more of the tooth’s cusps, an onlay provides more extensive coverage, offering a more substantial restoration without the need for a full crown.

Porcelain is the most popular choice for these restorations, as it blends naturally with the color of your teeth and provides lasting strength.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings and crowns:

  • Strength and Durability: These restorations can increase tooth strength by up to 75%, helping to prevent future damage.
  • Conservative Treatment: Unlike crowns, inlays and onlays require minimal enamel removal, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
  • Seamless Appearance: Porcelain inlays and onlays blend naturally with surrounding teeth, maintaining the aesthetic of your smile.
  • Long-Lasting: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last from 10 to 30 years, providing a reliable, cost-effective solution.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

Inlays and onlays are suitable for patients with:

  • Moderate decay or damage that doesn’t require a full crown
  • Fractured teeth or weakened areas that need reinforcement
  • Worn-out or fractured fillings that need replacement
  • Cosmetic goals, such as reshaping or enhancing a tooth’s appearance

Our team will assess your teeth and help determine if an inlay or onlay is the best solution for restoring your smile.

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure

The process for inlays and onlays is straightforward and typically requires only one visit:

Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is shaped to accommodate the restoration.

Impressions: We take precise digital impressions of the prepared tooth, which guide the creation of your custom inlay or onlay.

Application: The inlay or onlay is securely bonded to the tooth using a high-strength adhesive, then polished to match the natural contour and color of your tooth.

Discover the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays with McGann Family Dental

Inlays and onlays offer a conservative, effective solution for restoring damaged teeth while enhancing their strength and appearance. Contact McGann Family Dental today to learn more about how these restorations can benefit your smile and schedule a consultation.

Schedule Your Inlays and Onlays
Appointment today!