What You Should Know Before Getting Dental Onlays

Are you considering getting dental onlays? Before you move forward, you want to learn more about what to expect. Get the details on everything you should know about this procedure. Then you can move forward with a full understanding of onlays.

Understanding dental onlays

Many people think that crowns and fillings are the only options when they have tooth decay, but onlays are becoming increasingly popular. However, many people do not understand much about this restoration technique. Get the details.

What do onlays treat?

Onlays repair teeth that have been damaged. This can be due to decay, cracks, gaps and chips. Some people even get onlays to fix tooth discoloration. Onlays are typically recommended when a tooth has sustained a great deal of damage and would likely crack if the patient receives a regular dental filling.

How is an onlay different from a crown?

Onlays are commonly called “partial crowns,” and this has led to some confusion. People do not understand how onlays differ from crowns. However, the difference is dramatic. Dentists must remove a large amount of the tooth’s structure to fit a crown. The crown is then placed around the entire tooth.

With an onlay, the dentist is able to save more of the tooth’s structure. An onlay might cover the whole biting surface along with one or more of the tooth’s cusps, but it is much less invasive than crowns.

Visits needed to get onlays

Onlays are indirect restorations. The dentist must take a mold of the tooth and send it to a laboratory so that the onlay can be fabricated. Patients come back approximately a week after the initial visit to get the onlay fitted. The dentist places a temporary onlay to protect the teeth between visits.

Benefits of dental onlays

Many patients prefer onlays to fillings and crowns. Onlays are made from durable materials that look like natural teeth. The fit is more secure than a filling, and more of the natural tooth structure is preserved than with a crown. Onlays also strengthen the tooth, making it less likely that additional work will be needed in the future.

Onlays last longer than dental fillings and crowns. Composite fillings last approximately seven years, while silver anagram fillings last around 12 years. Crowns last up to 15 years and onlays last up to 30 years.

Cleaning dental onlays

Onlays are placed securely against the tooth, creating a tight seal. This makes it difficult for bacteria to get underneath the onlay. Onlays are cleaned just like natural teeth, meaning people should brush the onlay with the rest of the teeth twice a day and floss daily as part of a preventative oral care routine.

Onlays and bites

Since onlays cover the cusp of the tooth, many people are afraid this dental restoration will impact their bites. When dentists fit the onlay, they check the bite. Properly fitted onlays do not affect the bite in a negative way. In fact, since onlays strengthen the tooth, the restorations can actually improve the bite.

Do you want onlays?

Dental onlays are used to treat damaged teeth, and can also treat chips, cracks and discolorations. Onlays are placed over the course of two visits and provide lots of benefits. If you think you might be a good candidate, make an appointment for a consultation.

Are you considering dental onlays in the Albuquerque area? Get more information at https://familychoicedentistry.com.

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