Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
In many ways, Inlays and onlays are the best filling option. That’s because they:
- Restore strength to your tooth
- Look attractive
- Resist stains
- Last a long time
- Can be completed in one visit
- Restore strength to your tooth
- Look attractive
- Resist stains
- Last a long time
- Can be completed in one visit
A cavity damages your tooth, reducing its strength and increasing the risk that it will break. Most fillings do little to reverse this, but ceramic inlays and onlays can restore some of the lost strength of your tooth, though it never regains the strength it had before the cavity.
While tooth-colored composite fillings are more attractive than metal amalgam, they mostly match the color of your tooth enamel. Ceramic inlays and onlays not only match the color, but also the luster of your natural teeth.
Inlays and onlays also retain their attractiveness over time. Metal amalgam fillings rust and turn black, and composite fillings can pick up stains and become dull in luster. Ceramic fillings resist stains and maintain their luster over time.
Staying attractive is part of why ceramic fillings can last so long. How long do they last? In one 27-year study, about 88% lasted the full length of the study. Additionally, since the study focused on fillings placed from 1989 to 1991, technological advances mean we can likely expect even better performance from inlays and onlays placed today.
In the past, many people opted not to get inlays and onlays because they required a second visit. But now, thanks to our E4D® technology, you can get your inlays and onlays on the same day, like regular fillings.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are types of ceramic fillings. They are custom-made to fit in your cavity and on your teeth.
An inlay fits entirely within the lowered portion of the top of your teeth. An onlay includes one or more of the high parts of the tooth, called the cusps.
How We Place Dental Inlays and Onlays
The process for dental inlays and onlays is very simple with our CAD/CAM E4D system. It usually consists of four steps:
- Remove decayed and damaged parts of the tooth
- Scan the tooth
- Mill the filling
- Place the filling
- Remove decayed and damaged parts of the tooth
- Scan the tooth
- Mill the filling
- Place the filling
First, Dr. Siegel will remove the damaged parts of your teeth. Instead of the traditional drill, he can use hydroabrasion. This reduces the heat and vibrations that make your teeth hurt after a filling. This means that many people getting fillings at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell enjoy a pain-free experience.
Next, we scan the tooth instead of taking physical impressions. That’s right: you don’t have to bite down into some messy goo to make the impression for designing the ceramic filling. We literally wave a wand over your teeth, and it’s done.
Once the impression of the tooth has been given to the computer, Dr. Siegel will design your inlay or onlay. This design goes to a computer-controlled milling machine, which will carve your filling out of a ceramic block.
Finally, Dr. Siegel will check the fit and color of the ceramic filling. After last-minute adjustments, the inlay is bonded to your tooth.
Choose Dental Excellence of Blue Bell for Your Inlays or Onlays
If you are looking for an attractive and durable filling, inlays and onlays are the right choice. Dental Excellence of Blue Bell is the right place to get them. Dr. Siegel has more than 25 years of experience performing restorative and cosmetic dentistry. He was also one of the earliest adopters of CAD/CAM technology in Montgomery County, and has more than a decade’s worth of experience helping people get beautiful, durable crowns, inlays, onlays, and more. He combines advanced technology with a gentle, compassionate touch to give his patients a great experience as well as great results.
To get started with dental inlays at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell, please call (610) 272-0828 today for an appointment with Dr. Siegel.
