Colorado Springs Dentist Offers Dental Inlays/Onlays for Alternative Restorations
At Gleneagle Dental, we prioritize offering conservative yet effective treatments to maintain and restore your oral health. One such treatment is dental inlays and onlays, which provide a precise and durable solution for repairing teeth with mild to moderate damage. If you're looking for a skilled Colorado Springs dentist to help with tooth restoration, our team is here to guide you through the process.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair and restore rear teeth that have experienced decay or damage. These options are more conservative compared to full crowns and are ideal when the tooth’s damage does not necessitate a crown.
• Inlays: These are designed to repair the center portion of a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. The material used for inlays fills in the space within the tooth but does not extend to the cusps or edges.
• Onlays: These cover a larger area, including one or more cusps of the tooth. Onlays are suitable for more extensive damage or decay that affects the broader surface of the tooth.
The materials commonly used for inlays and onlays include porcelain, composite resin, and occasionally gold. Each material offers unique benefits, with porcelain and composite resin providing a natural tooth-like appearance and gold offering exceptional durability.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
1. Natural Look: One of the significant advantages of inlays and onlays is their ability to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. They match the tooth’s color, making them virtually invisible compared to traditional metal fillings.
2. Great Fit: Unlike metal fillings, inlays and onlays do not expand or contract with temperature changes. This ensures a stable and comfortable fit, reducing the risk of sensitivity and ensuring longevity.
3. Longevity: Dental inlays and onlays are known for their durability. With proper care, they can last up to thirty years, making them a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
4. Minimal Tooth Structure Removal: The process of applying inlays and onlays involves minimal removal of the tooth’s surface. This helps to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while effectively restoring decayed or damaged areas.
How It’s Done
Typically, the process of getting dental inlays and onlays involves two visits to our Colorado Springs dentist:
1. First Visit: During your initial visit, Dr. Wonnacott will carefully examine the affected tooth and take precise impressions. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted to fit your tooth perfectly. To protect your tooth while the permanent restoration is being made, a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed.
2. Second Visit: Once your permanent inlay or onlay is ready, you will return to our office. The temporary restoration will be removed, and the dentist will fit and bond the permanent inlay or onlay into place. The final restoration will be adjusted for comfort and functionality, ensuring a perfect fit with your bite.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
If you’re considering dental inlays and onlays and are looking for a trusted Colorado Springs dentist, Gleneagle Dental is here to provide expert care and personalized treatment. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with minimal disruption to your natural tooth structure. Contact us today by calling (719) 488-2222 to schedule a consultation and explore the benefits of inlays and onlays for your dental health.
