503.690.0400 Porcelain Onlays & Inlays
Inlays and Onlays in Portland, OregonAre you tired of the old gray metal fillings? If you need a filling, there are more choices these days. Where metal fillings were compressed into the cavity tightly enough to not fall out, porcelain onlays and inlays are bonded to the tooth, and become part of it
Where old metal fillings tend to become loose and even fall out, porcelain onlays and inlays are firm and durable, being bonded to your natural tooth.
How are inlays and onlays different?
Inlays are smaller, and contained within the cusps of the tooth. Onlays are done for larger areas of decay and extend over to the outside surface of the tooth.
Advantages of inlays and onlays
Metal fillings require more of the natural tooth to be drilled out, even if it isn’t decayed. Why? Because the cavity must be shaped such that the tightly packed amalgam will stay put.
With white onlays and inlays, more of the natural tooth can be preserved, since the porcelain will be bonded to the tooth, rather than packed into a space.
The porcelain is matched to your tooth color so it’s hardly noticeable. Both inlays and onlays will join invisibly with your natural tooth enamel and look like part of your tooth.
The white onlays and inlays procedure
Porcelain onlays typically take two visits. First, the damaged or decayed area is very precisely removed and an impression or mold is taken of the tooth. From this mold, the dental lab will make the onlay or inlay from dental porcelain, or other white materials.
In your second visit Dr. Matin will bond the inlay or onlay onto the damaged tooth.
While this procedure sounds simple, it requires great skill to do it correctly and artistically. Make sure you have a cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Matin, who is experienced in porcelain and other natural-colored inlays and onlays. Contact her today to schedule your initial consultation.
