Dental inlays and onlays improve your smile by restoring the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Unlike traditional fillings, these custom-made porcelain restorations are bonded to the tooth to provide a seamless, natural look that strengthens the enamel and prevents further breakage while preserving more healthy tooth structure than a crown.
What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?
Choosing inlays and onlays offers several advantages for patients who need more than a filling but less than a full dental crown. These restorations are often the best middle-ground solution for long-term oral health. Key benefits include:
- Natural Appearance: We use high-grade porcelain that matches the exact shade of your surrounding teeth for a seamless smile restoration.
- Superior Durability: Porcelain is highly resistant to wear and can withstand significant biting pressure, often lasting longer than composite fillings.
- Tooth Preservation: These restorations allow our dentists to save more of your natural tooth structure, which is vital for long-term dental health.
- Easy Maintenance: Because they are custom-fit to the contours of your teeth, they are easy to clean and help prevent plaque buildup at the gumline.
What Is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
While both treatments serve to repair damaged teeth, the specific application depends on the location and extent of the dental decay or fracture:
- Dental Inlays: These are used to treat decay within the indented top surface (the grooves) of a tooth. They act as a high-strength replacement for old or defective metal fillings.
- Dental Onlays: Sometimes called "partial crowns," onlays cover a larger area, including one or more of the tooth’s cusps. They are ideal for significant structural damage that requires more reinforcement.
Ready to Meet Your Cosmetic Dentist in Edina, MN?
If you are searching for a cosmetic dentist in Edina, MN to restore your smile, our team at 50th and France Dental Care is here to help. Dr. Andrew Anderson, Dr. Mary Flynn, and Dr. Rachel Holm specialize in precision dental restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation by calling (952) 922-5561 or visiting our contact page.