Preserve your naturally brilliant smile with dental inlays and onlays
We at Dentiq work closely with patients to preserve their natural teeth. However, we appreciate accidents can occur that threaten the health and structural integrity of our teeth. New medical conditions can also pose challenges to your oral health. Even with the most diligent care, there may come a time when we need to rebuild a portion of your tooth (or teeth). Fortunately, Dr Sundar has many alternatives at his Greenmeadows office in Napier to conservatively restore the appearance of your smile and function of your teeth, including dental inlays and onlays.
What is “conservative” dentistry?
Conservative dental techniques are focused on maintaining as much of a tooth’s natural structure as possible. Generally, the more natural structure that is retained, the better the outcomes from restorative treatment. Conservative approaches best “mimic” the appearance, feel, and function associated with natural teeth. Additionally, treatments that involve minimal preparation or alteration of the tooth are largely:
- Non-invasive or minimally invasive
- Non-traumatic
- Well-tolerated (gentle and comfortable)
- Low risk
- Durable and long-lasting
- Efficient
- Affordable/a good value
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental onlays and inlays are considered to be a conservative alternative to full-coverage dental crowns. A full dental crown involves preparing and shaping material, such as porcelain, to replace the entire white part of the tooth visible above the gumline. The new crown fits over the natural tooth structure that has also been “prepared,” decayed or damaged areas are removed. Think of this process as similar to how a helmet or cap may fit securely over your head. In turn, the dental crown restores the natural crown that everyone sees when you smile. It may be appropriate for patients with extensive decay or trauma. In fact, root canal therapy followed by a crown may be the only way to preserve a severely damaged natural tooth.
Inlays and onlays are also made from dental materials, such as porcelain and gold alloys. However, they are different from full-coverage crowns; they only repair or restore the tooth’s portions that are irrevocably damaged due to tooth decay. So, they may be appropriate for patients with more modest damage.
How do inlays differ from onlays?
Inlays are designed to fit inside of the tooth. The dental material builds up the grooved area between the points (or cusps) or your teeth. Onlays, or “partial crowns,” are appropriate for patients with more extensive damage. They are designed to fit within the tooth’s grooved surfaces, but they also cover at least one of the damaged tooth’s points or cusps.
At Dentiq, we have made the process of getting these conservative restorations even easier. Our in-house lab makes these and other restorations onsite, while you wait. And we offer a wide variety of technologies that support a comfortable and pleasant experience at our office, including laser dentistry. To make the treatment time more pleasant we have an in house massage room where you can relax while your porcelain restoration is made.
To find out more about our convenient, comfortable, conservative approaches to dentistry, schedule an appointment at our office in the Greenmeadows neighbourhood-phone 06 880 6161.
