Getting Inlays and Onlays in Cosmetic Dentistry

cosmetic dentistry Albuquerque, NM

While cosmetic dentistry does aim to improve appearance, it also focuses on the function of the teeth. Cosmetic dentists often perform certain procedures that help enhance the teeth, while also ensuring that the procedure will benefit the tooth's health and functionality.

Inlays and onlays are two common types of fillings that work to improve appearance and function. Cosmetic dentists use these fillings to help restore a patient's tooth, while also ensuring that the tooth looks clean and healthy. 

How cosmetic dentistry uses inlays and onlays

Both inlays and onlays are considered indirect fillings. This means that they are created outside of the mouth, as opposed to a traditional dental filling that is put directly into the tooth during the procedure. Typically, a dental lab will fabricate inlays and onlays in a dental lab. Then, the cosmetic dentist will bond it to the tooth that is in bad shape. 

Cosmetic dentists often recommend inlays and onlays for patients that have moderate damage. Damages include minor staining, small chips or cavities. Additionally, it is good to know that inlays and onlays are used primarily for molars. Molars often require a traditional filling or a dental crown when they are in bad shape. Cosmetic dentistry tends to use inlays and onlays because they are a nice in-between of the two. 

When an inlay or onlay is used in cosmetic dentistry, it is likely that there will be two to three appointments required. The first appointment allows the dentist to remove any decayed areas within the cusps or directly on the cusps. Then, impressions can be made so that the dental lab can custom make the indirect filling. The patient will return to their cosmetic dentist for placement of the inlay or onlay. After a few weeks of recovery, the cosmetic dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the tooth is adapting well to the filling. 

Inlays in cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentists use inlays to help patients achieve better form and function of their back teeth. Inlays are used in cosmetic dentistry for treating problems within the small cusps of a molar. When there is a stain or infected area in between the cusps of a molar, the cosmetic dentist will recommend an inlay filling. 

Onlays in cosmetic dentistry

Onlays are the other type of indirect filling that cosmetic dentists tend to recommend. They are used when the molar requires treatment on one or more of the cusps. Damage tends to occur on the cusps, more often than not. This because the cusps are raised and they are responsible for chewing and grinding foods. Additionally, those that grind their teeth at night, will experience extra wear and tear on the cups since the top arch meets up with the bottom arch through the cusps. 

Get started today!

Want to learn more about inlays and onlays in cosmetic dentistry? Reach out today to learn more, ask questions, go over concerns or get started with the process. Our cosmetic dentistry team is here to help!

Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

What Can Dental Crowns Do For Your Oral Health Issues?

Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…

When A Dentist Would Recommend Dental Restorations

A dentist’s job is to make sure your teeth stay in great health. For many patients, this means considering the benefits of dental restorations. Dentists recommend restorative procedures when a patient has a damaged, diseased, or missing tooth. These standard treatments stop the problem in its tracks, prevent additional injury and infection, and even provide…

The FAQ’s About Dental Restorations

Restorative dentistry refers to any type of dental procedure that a dentist performs to restore a damaged or missing tooth. Dental restorations can encompass several procedures that vary in terms of invasiveness, complexity, and what they can accomplish. However, the overreaching goal of all restorative procedures is to improve the health, function, and appearance of…

Can A Dental Restoration Restore Multiple Teeth?

Multiple damaged or missing teeth can impair function and degrade the appearance of your smile. However, dental restorations can restore both the look and function of your teeth.There are many different types of dental restorations, and most of them can be used to address issues with multiple teeth. The type of restoration used for your…

Recent Posts

What Can Dental Crowns Do For Your Oral Health Issues?

What Can Dental Crowns Do For Your Oral Health Issues?

Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…

When A Dentist Would Recommend Dental Restorations

When A Dentist Would Recommend Dental Restorations

A dentist’s job is to make sure your teeth stay in great health. For many patients, this means considering the benefits of dental restorations. Dentists recommend restorative procedures when a patient has a damaged, diseased, or missing tooth. These standard treatments stop the problem in its tracks, prevent additional injury and infection, and even provide…