Enhance both the appearance and functionality of your teeth with high-quality porcelain inlays and onlays at Contemporary Dentistry & Implantology in Peabody, MA. Crafted from premium Emax porcelain, these restorations combine exceptional durability, aesthetics, and precision. By focusing on conservative dentistry and employing biomimetic principles, we preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while delivering superior, long-lasting results.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-designed dental restorations tailored to repair damaged teeth while maintaining their natural strength and appearance:
- Inlays: These restorations fit snugly within the cusps of a damaged tooth, providing a bonded solution to restore function and structure.
- Onlays: Sometimes referred to as 3/4 crowns or partial crowns, onlays cover a larger area, including the chewing surface and one or more cusps, offering added protection and strength.
Both inlays and onlays are more conservative alternatives to full crowns, focusing on preserving as much of the healthy tooth as possible while restoring functionality and aesthetics.
Benefits of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays provide several advantages over traditional crowns:
- Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure: Requires minimal removal of healthy tooth material, maintaining the tooth’s integrity.
- Durable Materials: Emax porcelain offers superior strength and resistance to wear.
- Biomimetic Design: Bonding the porcelain directly to the tooth mimics natural tooth structure, enhancing durability and longevity.
- Natural Aesthetics: Porcelain closely matches the color and translucency of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural look.
When are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?
Inlays and onlays are ideal for addressing:
- Teeth worn down from grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, decay, or natural wear over time.
- Occlusal wear or trauma affecting the biting surface of a tooth.
- Fractured or deteriorating older fillings.
These restorations offer a conservative approach, providing a long-lasting alternative to crowns while minimizing tooth structure removal.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The inlay or onlay procedure typically involves two appointments:
- First Appointment: Impressions and molds are taken to create your custom restoration. A temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth until the second visit.
- Second Appointment: Your custom inlay or onlay is carefully fitted, bonded, and adjusted for a perfect fit. The result is a restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Care and Maintenance
At Contemporary Dentistry & Implantology, we use the latest technology and finest materials to create inlays and onlays that offer superior fit, function, and aesthetics. To preserve your restoration’s longevity:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
- Adopt healthy eating habits, avoiding overly hard or sticky foods.
- Schedule routine dental visits for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re seeking a durable, conservative solution to restore your teeth, schedule your appointment today at Contemporary Dentistry & Implantology. Contact us to schedule your appointment and learn more about how porcelain inlays and onlays can transform your smile.
