Chelsea Dentist
Inlays/Onlays
Quality teeth restoration inlays/onlays with best Chelsea dentist
Dental inlays and onlays are fillings that work effectively to fit in the tooth. They are used when there is too little tooth structure to support a white filling but enough tooth remaining to avoid a crown. The best thing about these inlays and onlays is that they are more durable than white filling and offer more strength to the remaining tooth structure. While the inlay is similar to a regular filling and fits inside the top edges of the tooth, an onlay is more extensive and extends over the cusps of the treated tooth. If you are also facing tooth decay but do not need a crown or a bridge, contact Dr. Shenas Dental Clinic now and get the best advice regarding tooth restoration.
Change the way your teeth look in just ONE appointment!
Understanding inlays/onlays
Also known as indirect fillings as they are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth by the dentist, inlays and onlays are a strong, well-fitting and long lasting solution to tooth decay. They not only restore the oral functions of the teeth but also improve their overall appearance by helping you get rid of decay and structural damage.
A restoration is called an ‘inlay’ when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth. In the same way, it is called an ‘onlay’ when the extent of the damage requires inclusion of one or more cusps of the tooth or full coverage of the biting area. The procedure for placing an inlay or onlay is the same; it is only the area where the filling is placed that makes the difference.
Why inlays/onlays are necessary
Our teeth are flat from the center but surrounded by four or five raised points. These raised points are known as cusps and guide the jaw movement as you bite and chew.
A porcelain inlay replaces the central chewing area of the tooth; helping you resume normal oral activities and chew the food without any pain. The onlay replaces the outer part of the tooth along with one or more cusps. Onlays are used in cases of substantial tooth decay that does not need a crown cover. You can resume normal oral activity with help of an onlay. The color of the porcelain inlay/onlay is just the same as the natural tooth which makes it easy to blend in.
The inlay/onlay procedure
An inlay/onlay procedure takes only two dental visits. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by cleaning the decayed part and take a molded impression which is sent to the dental laboratory for preparing restoration. A provisional or temporary restoration is sometimes fitted to protect the tooth during the time final restoration is fabricated. During the second visit, the temp is removed and the final inlay or onlay is placed.
These are highly durable and stable restorations that work for a long time. The dentist will check all the margins to ensure a smooth fit. Once the restoration is properly fitted, it is bonded and you can enjoy natural looking teeth with normal oral functions for a long time.
Inlays and onlays can be made from gold, porcelain or resin material; the only difference lies in the appearance of the finished restoration. Your dentist will discuss the type of material to be used for your restorations, depending on the need and budget. Porcelain offers the best looks and is most often used for front teeth to offer natural looking restorations for better smiles.
CEREC one day inlay/onlays
You can also get CEREC porcelain inlays/onlays that will only take one day as with help of the advanced CEREC technology, Dr. Shenas can now fit in these restorations in just a single visit. Your restoration will be designed with help of a special camera that will scan your teeth and produce custom finished inlay/onlay to match your natural tooth in just a single visit.
How to take care of inlays/onlays
It is easy to take care of inlays/onlays as it just requires regular brushing and flossing to keep them clean. Keep the inlays/onlays clean and well-maintained so that these restorations work for a long time.
Regular dental appointments are very important as the dentist will check out your teeth to ensure that the edges and margins fit tightly against your natural tooth to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further decay. With good care, inlays and onlays can last up to 10 years or even longer before needing replacement.
At Dr. Shenas Dental Clinic, we combine the latest technology with dental expertise to provide highest quality care in the most comfortable environment. One of the leading dentists in Chelsea, Dr. Shenas is well known for his competence in restorative treatments and has helped in making a difference in his patients’ lives with best treatments.
Dr Shenas Dental Clinic
51 Cadogan Gardens
Sloane Square
London SW3 2TH
020 7589 2319
Book your Appointment
If you book your appointment online during working hours, we will contact you within two hours to confirm the date and time your visit.
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