Inlays and onlays make up a significant part of restorative dentistry. If you have any tooth decay, chipped, or cracked teeth, an inlay/onlay may be the perfect solution. Our team uses inlays and onlays to strengthen teeth that have been weakened. One chief benefit of these type of restorations is that they require less work on the tooth. This allows us to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.

Dr. Chaikin has successfully used inlays and onlays to treat:

  • Excessive decay on teeth
  • Teeth that are broken or fractured
  • Marginal breakdown of existing large fillings or significant decay
  • An improvement in your overall oral aesthetics

What Is the Difference Between Onlays and Inlays?

While inlays and onlays are both designed to strengthen a tooth’s structure and protect its healthy part, they have very different methods of fixing the damage. Typically, inlays are used to address issues that lay between the teeth’s cusps tips—particularly in the pits of molars or premolars. Put simply, if the damage rests on the chewing surface, an inlay will most likely be the better solution. On the other hand, onlays prove to be a better option when the decay exceeds the tooth’s chewing surface. Dr. Chaikin will determine which style of restoration will suit you best.

What To Expect

If you are a good candidate for an inlay or onlay, we will begin the process of preparing your tooth for the dental restoration. After a standard dental exam, we will clean the tooth and remove any decay that has formed. Removing decay allows the dental restoration to properly bind to the tooth. We will also take impressions of your tooth so that a permanent inlay/onlay can be fashioned. Dr. Chaikin recommends porcelain for inlays and onlays but we offer gold and resin as well.

Dr. Chaikin and the Convoy Dental Arts team has extensive working knowledge in the creation and placement of inlays and onlays. Contact us today to for the best Convoy Dental Arts for additional information and to schedule an appointment.