Inlays and Onlays: The Solution You Need for Damaged Teeth
Like dental fillings, inlays and Onlays perform the same function, which is restoring a damaged tooth. In most cases, patients who opt for dental inlays and Onlays suffer from tooth damage due to cavities and wear. This is because inlays and Onlays are conservative restoration method that preserves most of the tooth compared to other restoration methods. We will explain why you should consider getting inlays and Onlays when looking for a good restoration procedure for damaged teeth.
Understanding Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite material. A dentist in Redding, CA, may recommend dental inlays as replacements if you have damaged or defective fillings. The inlays will need to be bonded to your natural tooth to make the tooth stronger.
Your dentist will make a mold of your damaged tooth to ensure they are customized in the dental to fit the hollow part of the tooth perfectly without affecting the cusps. They will also color them to match the shade of your natural teeth and make them less noticeable.
Dental Onlays
Onlays are fitted to your teeth and can extend to the back where chewing occurs.
Currently, dental onlays are made from tooth-colored materials for aesthetics, but it used to be common to find ones made from gold.
A dentist will often use onlays for fixing damage to your tooth’s cusps and biting surface. They are better at restoring teeth damaged by cavities where the damage is too big to be restored through standard amalgam fillings.
We prepare the tooth for onlays the same way as with inlays. First, we use an anesthetic to numb the area; then, we drill into the tooth to clean off all cavities inside.
Once that’s done, we’ll make impressions of your damaged teeth, send them to a dental lab for fabrication and fit you with temporary onlays.
How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?
You can expect your inlays and onlays to serve you for 5 to 30 years, depending on how they are used and cared for. Although we can not guarantee how long your inlays and onlays will last, following the instructions we provide after the operation can ensure they last for an extended period.
Grinding your teeth during sleep can cause your teeth and inlays to crack or wear. Inform your dentist about it so they can provide you with a mouthguard or alternative solutions for this problem.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Inlays and Onlays?
Onlays can be more expensive or cost the same as inlays. Although several factors such as materials can affect its price. You can expect to pay anything from $650 to $1200 per restored tooth if you don’t have dental insurance.
Who Needs Them?
Patients with damaged teeth have many restoration options to choose from. However, we recommend getting dental inlays and onlays. Here is why:
Preserves Your Natural Teeth
Once your teeth get damaged, they can become weak and prone to more damage. Inlays and Onlays can help preserve your natural teeth and prevent future dental emergencies. They are made from durable materials they are less prone to damage than natural teeth.
Makes Your Teeth Stronger
Dental carries can damage your tooth enamel and compromise the structure and strength of your teeth. Inlays and Onlays can improve the strength of your natural teeth and protect them from oral diseases and infection. If you notice any signs of weakness in your teeth, visit a dental clinic near you to have them restored.
It Is Durable
Inlays and Onlays are long-lasting solutions for damaged teeth. They are made of durable materials that form a barrier that protects them from additional damage and infection when bonded to your teeth.
Covered by Insurance
for most patients with dental insurance, dental inlays and onlays are inexpensive. Since the operation is not regarded as a cosmetic one, patients who are covered can spend less than half the amount they would have paid if they had no dental insurance.
Conclusion
Dental inlays and onlays are a long-lasting and reliable method of restoring damaged teeth. Furthermore, most dental insurance providers will cover part of the cost since they regard it as a non-cosmetic operation. Visit Riverbend Family Dental today for the best inlays and onlays in Redding, CA. We accept many popular payment methods, including dental insurance, to provide our patients with affordable dental care services.