At Central New England Dental Associates, we offer porcelain inlay and onlay treatments to restore teeth injured by decay or trauma. Inlays and onlays are mostly recommended for patients who require more extensive repair than a filling can provide but want a more conservative option than a crown. Whether you need chipped tooth repair or have a broken tooth, porcelain inlays and onlays offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution.
Why Choose Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-fitted restorations that repair the chewing surface of a tooth. While inlays restore the center of the tooth, onlays encompass one or more cusps (chewing surface). These restorations are commonly used to replace damaged or fractured fillings, offering a more durable and natural-looking alternative. Porcelain is often preferred because it closely matches the color and clarity of natural teeth, providing a more seamless restoration than traditional silver fillings.
Porcelain inlays and onlays offer several advantages over other restorative options:
- Conservative treatment: Unlike crowns, inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
- Durability: Porcelain is more robust than composite material, making it an excellent choice for durable repairs.
- Cosmetic appeal: Porcelain inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, ensuring your smile looks as good as it feels.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Getting a porcelain inlay or onlay typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, our Auburn family dentist will take impressions of your tooth to fabricate a custom restoration. This impression ensures that your crown inlay onlay will fit perfectly with your bite and adjacent teeth. A temporary restoration will be placed to safeguard the tooth until your next visit.
At your second appointment, we will fit and bond the final porcelain inlay or onlay to your tooth. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and natural fit. This precise process helps ensure long-term success and comfort with your new restoration.
Benefits of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are fabricated to restore both function and appearance. Here are some reasons why patients choose inlays and onlays for broken tooth repair and other therapeutic needs:
- Chipped tooth repair: They are an excellent choice for repairing small to medium areas of damage, ensuring your teeth remain functional and attractive.
- Teeth caps alternative: Inlays and onlays are a more conservative alternative to crowns, also known as teeth caps, as they require less removal of the tooth’s natural structure.
With adequate dental care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last for many years. Practicing good oral hygiene, maintaining regular dental visits, and avoiding hard foods will help extend the life of your new restoration.
Contact Central New England Dental Associates for Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
If you’re looking for durable and natural-looking dental restorations, consider porcelain inlays and onlays in Auburn, MA. Our experienced caregivers use the latest technology and materials to ensure your restoration is functional and beautiful. Visit us at 176 Auburn Street, Auburn, MA, 01501, to schedule your consultation or learn more about your restorative options.
Let us help you restore your smile with high-quality dental care and custom restorations tailored to your needs.
