Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are custom restorations that help to restore teeth that are severely decayed or worn out. Inlays are most often used when the size of the cavity is bigger, and the use of filling material can weaken the tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are referred to as ‘half-crowns’, as they restore only the cusp or the biting surface of the tooth.

At Valley Dental, Dr. Browning brings her vast knowledge and experience to the table to diagnose and treat his patients in the best way possible. Along with a highly trained team and state-of-the-art technology, her office in Cupertino is one of the most sought-after dental practices in the Bay Area.

What are the advantages of choosing Inlays and Onlays?

• Both inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored ceramic material. This keeps them under disguise even when you talk or give a broad smile.
• Inlays get rid of the major disadvantage of traditional fillings, which is the reduction in the strength of the tooth after the filling is placed. The inlay is a single restorative piece that is inserted into the cavity, and hence, it increases the strength of the tooth.
• The level of sealing that an inlay offers is just amazing. It perfectly fits into the cavity, thereby preventing the entry of microbes into it and causing reinfection.
• Onlays are the best dental appliances to restore a worn out biting surface of a tooth.
• The success rate of inlays and onlays are high. They also offer excellent longevity.

How are inlays and onlays placed?

During the initial appointment, the candidacy for the restorations will be confirmed. If you have a badly worn out tooth or a cavity that is too big to be filled using a filling material, we can get such teeth treated using onlays and inlays, respectively.

The teeth will be cleaned thoroughly and a highly precise mold will be taken. The mold gives us an idea of how bad the cavity or extent of wear is. The data will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the restorations will be fabricated. The color, texture, translucency, contour, etc. will be kept in mind while doing so. Once the fabrication is complete, it can be bonded to the tooth.

When you visit us during the next appointment, the teeth will be cleaned. The decay will be removed and the walls of the cavity will be scrubbed. An etching solution will be applied to it to roughen its surface. The restoration will be placed on the tooth and bonded permanently using dental adhesives. It may be polished to give it the right luster.

Call us at (408) 973 9600 or schedule an online appointment with Dr. Browning for a consultation at our office in Cupertino 95014.