Inlays and Onlays at Fox Valley Dental Care in Aurora, IL
Fox Valley Dental Care is proud to offer top-quality dental restorations to preserve your natural teeth, including inlays and onlays in Aurora, IL. Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring the longevity and beauty of your smile.
What are Dental Inlays?
Dental inlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or injury. Inlays are usually recommended when the damage is too extensive for a traditional filling but not severe enough for a crown. Crafted in a dental laboratory from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold, inlays are designed to fit snugly within the contours of a tooth, effectively restoring its structure and function.
Precision and Fit
Material Options
The materials used for inlays include porcelain, composite resin, and gold. Porcelain inlays are popular because they can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, providing a more aesthetically pleasing result. Composite resin is also tooth-colored and is often chosen for its blend of durability and aesthetics. Gold inlays, while not tooth-colored, are chosen for their exceptional durability and strength. They are often used for the back teeth where the gold color is less visible, whereas tooth-colored inlays are used for teeth that are more visible.
Preserving Tooth Structure
One of the significant benefits of inlays is that they allow for the preservation of more of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns. Because they are bonded directly to the tooth, inlays add structural integrity without the need for extensive reshaping that is usually required for a crown.
What are Dental Onlays?
Onlays, often referred to as partial crowns, are similar to inlays but are used to repair more extensive damage that involves the cusps (the pointed parts) of the tooth. Like inlays, onlays are custom-made and can be created from various materials. They are bonded to the affected tooth, providing structural support and restoring the tooth’s natural shape.
Coverage and Support
Onlays cover a more substantial portion of the tooth, including the chewing surface. While inlays are designed to fit within the grooves of a tooth, onlays extend over one or more of the cusps, effectively rebuilding the tooth’s structure. This makes onlay procedures particularly effective for repairing teeth that have suffered significant damage but do not require a full crown.
Material Options
Similar to inlays, onlays can be made from porcelain, composite materials, or gold. Porcelain is often the material of choice and is favored for its ability to mimic the natural tooth’s color and translucency. Composite resin is a filling material that offers a balance between aesthetics and durability. Gold onlays are extremely durable and are often recommended for back teeth where the metallic color is less noticeable and biting forces are greater.
Conservation of Tooth Structure
One of the primary advantages of using an onlay instead of a full crown is that it allows for the conservation of more natural tooth structure. Only the damaged portions of the tooth are removed to accommodate the onlay, while the healthy parts are preserved. This makes onlays a conservative and tooth-friendly restoration option.
Strength and Durability
Onlays are incredibly strong and durable, providing additional strength to the biting surface of a weakened tooth. By enveloping the cusps, onlays effectively distribute the forces exerted during biting and chewing, which helps to protect the tooth from further damage or fractures. With proper care, they can last for many years.
Understanding the Different Types of Dental Restorations
Dental restoration options are not one-size-fits-all. Here at Fox Valley Dental Care, we offer a range of dental treatments to preserve your natural teeth:
- Fillings: Dental fillings are a conservative treatment option used for smaller cavities and minor tooth decay.
- Inlays: Dental inlays are best for moderate decay, where the damage is within the indented top surface of a tooth.
- Onlays: Onlays are ideal for larger cavities with more extensive decay.
- Crowns: A dental crown is used when a decayed tooth is extensively damaged, covering the entire surface of the tooth.
- Bridges and Implants: Solutions for missing teeth, helping to restore function and aesthetics.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Smile!
Don’t let dental decay or damaged teeth compromise your smile. Whether you need an inlay, onlay, or another type of dental restoration, the dental professionals at Fox Valley Dental Care are here to provide exceptional service and care. Contact us today to learn more about inlays and onlays and how they can benefit your oral health.