Preserve Your Natural Teeth
with Custom Inlays and Onlays
in Lakewood
Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth has moderate damage that's too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full crown, you're faced with a dilemma. Traditional dentistry often pushes patients toward crowns, which require removing significant healthy tooth structure. As a cosmetic dentist in Lakewood, I believe in preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible while providing lasting restoration that looks and feels completely natural.
Inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. These custom-crafted restorations, sometimes called "partial crowns," allow me to repair damaged areas while keeping your healthy tooth structure intact. Think of them as precision-fitted puzzle pieces that restore your tooth's strength and appearance without the aggressive preparation required for crowns. Your tooth maintains its natural foundation while gaining the protection it needs to last for decades.
Conservative Restoration That Strengthens Your Teeth
The beauty of inlays and onlays lies in their conservative approach to tooth restoration. An inlay fits within the cusps (raised points) of your tooth, similar to a large filling but much stronger and more durable. An onlay covers one or more cusps, providing protection for areas that endure significant chewing forces. Both restorations are crafted from high-quality ceramic or composite materials that bond seamlessly to your natural tooth structure.
Unlike metal fillings that can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially cracking your tooth over time, inlays and onlays actually strengthen the remaining tooth structure. The bonding process creates a restoration that moves and flexes naturally with your tooth, distributing chewing forces evenly and preventing future fractures.
The precision fit achievable with modern CAD/CAM technology means these restorations can be made in my office using the same CEREC system I use for same day crowns. The digital design process allows me to create restorations with perfect marginal fit, eliminating the gaps where bacteria could enter and cause future decay. The American Dental Association research demonstrates that well-fitted indirect restorations like inlays and onlays provide superior longevity compared to traditional large fillings.
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays Over Other Options
Many patients come to me frustrated with large fillings that keep breaking or feel uncomfortable when they bite down. Traditional amalgam fillings, while functional, can weaken teeth over time as they don't bond to the tooth structure. Large composite fillings, though tooth-colored, can shrink slightly during the curing process, potentially creating gaps or causing post-operative sensitivity.
Inlays and onlays solve these problems by using indirect fabrication techniques. Your restoration is created outside your mouth under controlled conditions, eliminating shrinkage issues and allowing for superior strength and fit. The ceramic materials I use match your natural tooth color perfectly and resist staining, maintaining their appearance for years.
The procedure typically requires two comfortable visits. During the first appointment, I remove any decay or damaged tooth structure and prepare the area with minimal removal of healthy tooth material. Digital impressions capture every detail of the prepared area, and I place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth. Your custom inlay or onlay is then precisely milled from a solid block of ceramic, ensuring strength and beauty. At your second visit, I remove the temporary restoration and bond your permanent inlay or onlay in place, making any final adjustments for perfect fit and comfort.
Restore Your Tooth Conservatively
Ready to learn more about how inlays and onlays can restore your damaged tooth while preserving healthy structure? These restorations offer an excellent balance of conservation, strength, and aesthetics for patients who want the best possible outcome. Schedule your consultation to discuss whether inlays or onlays are right for your specific situation and discover how modern restorative dentistry can strengthen your smile.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between inlays, onlays, and crowns?
Inlays fit within the tooth cusps like large fillings, onlays cover one or more cusps for broader protection, and crowns cover the entire visible portion of the tooth. Each restoration conserves different amounts of natural tooth structure, with inlays being most conservative and crowns most comprehensive.
How long do dental inlays and onlays last?
Ceramic inlays and onlays typically last 15-25 years with proper care, often longer than large fillings or crowns. Their durability comes from the strong ceramic material and precise bonding to your natural tooth structure, which creates a restoration that ages well.
Are inlays and onlays better than large fillings?
Yes, for moderate to large cavities, inlays and onlays provide superior strength, fit, and longevity compared to direct fillings. They're fabricated under controlled conditions, eliminating shrinkage issues and providing better marginal seal against bacteria and decay.
Do inlays and onlays hurt during placement?
The procedure is comfortable with local anesthesia, and most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward. Some mild sensitivity is normal for a few days as your tooth adjusts to the new restoration, but this typically resolves quickly.
Can you see the difference between inlays/onlays and natural teeth?
Modern ceramic inlays and onlays are virtually undetectable when properly crafted and placed. I match the color, translucency, and surface texture to your natural teeth, creating restorations that blend seamlessly with your smile.
What's the cost of inlays and onlays in Lakewood?
Investment in inlays and onlays varies based on the size and complexity of your restoration. While initially more than large fillings, their superior longevity often makes them more cost-effective long-term. I provide detailed pricing during consultation and offer financing options.
We’re Not Just Tooth Doctors.
We look at your whole health.
Welcome to Balanced Dental Studio, located in Lakewood, Colorado. Our dental practice embraces a holistic approach, prioritizing the overall health of our patients. As functional dentists, we go beyond the surface and delve into the root causes of dental issues, ensuring durable solutions.
While maintaining good oral hygiene through practices like brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular cleanings is crucial, they may not always address the underlying reasons for problems such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, and bad breath. These issues can often be traced back to airway obstructions, overcrowding in the mouth, and narrow dental arches resulting from habits like mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
By focusing on functional dentistry, we aim to identify and resolve the core sources of dental problems, thereby preventing future issues and enhancing your overall quality of life. Our mission is to help you and your loved ones regain the confidence to smile, breathe effortlessly, and enjoy improved well-being. We offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, ranging from preventive cleanings to advanced procedures.
Schedule An
Appointment
Are you ready to smile more, breathe freely, and live better?
We are, too! Give us a call or complete the form to schedule an appointment! We'd love to sit down and discuss how you can achieve better oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!
Please call 303.989.3192 or use the form to request to schedule an appointment. The Balanced Dental Studio Team will then call you to confirm a date and time.
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