Revamp Your Smile with Inlays and Onlays

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for your overall well-being. When it comes to dental care, promptly addressing tooth decay or damage is essential. When your teeth need more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays provide a perfect middle ground.

At OHIOSmiles, Dr. Antalis and our dedicated team proudly offer this durable dental treatment to patients in Cambridge, OH, and the surrounding communities. Inlays and onlays restore your teeth strength and appearance while preserving as much natural structure as possible.

The Difference Between Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are indirect restorations designed to repair damage within the tooth structure. The distinction lies in their coverage and location.

• Inlays: Designed to fit within the grooves of a tooth, inlays restore the chewing surface without extending over the cusps.
• Onlays: Also called “partial crowns,” an onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth, providing additional reinforcement and protection.

Inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab using impressions of your teeth to guarantee a perfect fit. Both options are excellent for patients who want a conservative yet effective alternative to full dental crowns.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for restorative dentistry:

• Durability: These restorations are stronger than traditional fillings and can last for many years with proper care.
• Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile.
• Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike crowns, inlays and onlays require minimal removal of the natural tooth, preserving its integrity.
• Improved Function: Restoring damaged areas enhances your tooth’s ability to chew and function effectively.
• Resistance to Staining: Materials like porcelain resist staining from foods and beverages.

Dr. Antalis will discuss the best option to restore your smile and craft a high-quality restoration that will last for years.

When is an Inlay or Onlay Recommended?

The choice between a dental onlay, inlay, or other restorative options depends on the extent and location of the dental damage. Dr. Antalis will recommend the most suitable option after thoroughly evaluating your condition.

Typically, inlays are ideal for restoring teeth with small cavities within the tooth’s grooves. They also repair minor fractures or chips that don’t involve the cusps. An onlay becomes the preferred solution when the damage encompasses larger areas of decay extending to the cusps. Or when there is a weakened cusp that needs more protection coverage.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Getting an inlay or onlay generally requires two appointments with the OHIOSmiles team. During the first visit, Dr. Antalis will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort and then prepare the affected tooth. 

This involves removing decayed tooth tissue and shaping the remaining structure to accommodate the inlay or onlay. Next, an impression of your tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom restoration will be crafted with precision.

In the subsequent appointment, Dr. Antalis will place and bond the inlay or onlay to your prepared tooth. The restoration is permanently cemented after ensuring proper fit and bite alignment, leaving you with a restored, functional, and beautiful smile.

Upgrade Your Smile to Restore Function and Aesthetics

Inlays and onlays offer durability and a natural look, ensuring your teeth are healthy and beautiful. Whether you need to repair damaged or decayed teeth, inlays and onlays provide a reliable, natural-looking solution. 

Trust our team to guide you through the process with care and expertise, bringing back your confidence in your smile. Contact us at (740) 439-2501 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Antalis.