Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are tooth colored custom matched restorations that cover the damaged or broken parts a tooth structure, while maintaining and preserving the healthy part. The damaged areas of the teeth are removed and an impression is taken of the preparation. One week later the inlay or onlay is bonded onto the tooth structure, like a piece to a puzzle.

Both inlays and onlays give us the opportunity to restore a tooth to its optimal function and at the same time save as much of the original tooth structure as possible. When they are bonded on the tooth they become a part of the tooth and offer tremendous strength.

Since inlays and onlays are made from the strongest of materials; like tooth-colored porcelain and or fibercore material, they offer the highest strength and the most natural-looking solution to metal amalgam fillings. In addition, the fact that they are custom made to fit the exact contours of your teeth allows the perfect seal when bonded to the tooth structure, adding strength and preventing leakage and the ability of bacteria to leak in.

Porcelain inlays or onlays are placed like a puzzle piece into the missing tooth structure. Dr. Naim uses her years of expertise to create results that are functionally superior and highly esthetics, striving to conserve your natural tooth. Inlays or onlay is a great dental restoration when crowns are too aggressive and a filling is too conservative.

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by over 50%, causing stress on the tooth and nerve. However, inlays and onlays, which are chemically bonded to the tooth structure, can increase the strength of a tooth. They can potentially last up to 30 years. In some cases where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to justify a full coverage crown, onlays offer a good alternative.