Restore Your Healthy, Functional Smile
It’s normal for teeth to sustain wear over time, and it’s common for patients to experience tooth damage or decay at least once in their lives. However, damaged teeth can make it difficult to lead a life of comfort as smiling, chewing, and speaking may become difficult. Fortunately, inlays and onlays may be the ideal solution to restore your smile’s beauty and function.
Our Farmington dentist Dr. Roman Shlafer proudly provides expert dental care to Oakland County areas, including Berkely, Auburn Hills, and Birmingham, MI. Read on to learn how an inlay or onlay could benefit you.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be an excellent option when tooth damage is too advanced for a regular filling, but a full dental crown isn’t necessary. These convenient restorations are custom-crafted fillings meant to restore part of a damaged or decayed tooth.
There’s a bit of a difference between inlays and onlays. Inlays fill in the area between the cusps of teeth, while onlays only cover the cusps. Unlike other restorative treatments, inlays and onlays only repair the part of the tooth that’s been damaged or decayed.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are unique treatments that come with a host of benefits, such as:
- Preserving natural tooth structure
- Durable and long-lasting
- Non-invasive procedure
- Stain-resistance
- Easy maintenance
- Maintaining their shape over time
When Are Inlays and Onlays Necessary?
Our Oakland County dentist may recommend inlays and onlays for patients struggling from:
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Broken teeth
- Ill-fitting fillings
- Cosmetic enhancements
To learn if inlays and onlays are right for you, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Shlafer by calling our Farmington office at (248) 720-5618. He’ll examine your oral health needs and determine if an inlay or onlay may be beneficial for you.
The Inlays and Onlay Process
Our advanced CEREC® system (“Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”) allows our dental professionals to craft your customized inlay or onlay in just one visit to our Farmington office. With CEREC restorations, you won’t have to make multiple trips to our office or wait weeks for your restorations.
Dr. Shlafer will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain while he works. He’ll then carefully remove any dental decay or bacteria to prepare your teeth for restoration. Your inlay or onlay will be fabricated to fit your cavity perfectly. Finally, Dr. Shafler will bond the inlay or onlay into your cavity. Once in place, inlays and onlays provide durable and lasting support for your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays and onlays can last between 20 and 30 years depending on the level of care and maintenance practiced. It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure your restorations last. This includes brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, as well as rinsing with mouthwash between meals.
We also encourage patients to schedule routine dental visits at our Farmington office. Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to good oral health because they allow us to catch potential problems before they occur.
Your inlay or onlay treatment cost will depend on several factors, such as how many restorations you received. Dr. Shlafer will provide you with a cost estimate at your free consultation. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn what your plan will cover.
You can visit our financing page to learn more about your payment options and third-party financing companies like CareCredit and LendingClub. Both services can help patients cover the cost of their dental treatments, and applying for aid can be done online or over the phone.
Inlays, onlays, and dental filings all have unique benefits. Each has different advantages that the others can’t match, making for three different dental treatments. At your initial consultation, Dr. Shlafer will assess your situation and determine which treatment will be best for your individual needs.
