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.

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

Related Posts

Tips For Taking Your Kids To A Family Dentist

Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…

Protect Your Smile With The Help Of A Preventive Dentist

A preventive dentist is a dental health professional whose services include procedures to protect the teeth and gums from developing problems. This dentist aims to keep your teeth healthy and appealing for the longest possible time.Major dental disorders are avoidable with preventive dental treatment. Preventing future problems and stress from oral health issues early could…

Is Dental Bonding The Right Choice For You?

Dental bonding is a treatment that can help correct imperfections in your smile. Dentists often recommend this procedure for chips, cracks, and even gaps between the teeth. However, this procedure does not work for all dental issues. This article covers situations where dental bonding would be the right treatment.Dental bonding involves the application of a…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Dentures The Right Choice For Me?

If you are missing several teeth or all of your upper or lower teeth or even all the teeth in your mouth, you may be wondering, “What are my options for replacing missing teeth?” Full or partial dentures may be a good option for you. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a good candidate…