Inlays and Onlays
in Lakewood, CO
Custom Dental Inlays & Onlays
Walking into our Lakewood, Colorado dental practice with a damaged tooth doesn't always mean you need extensive dental work. As a dentist committed to preserving natural tooth structure whenever possible, I often recommend inlays and onlays – the perfect middle-ground solution for teeth that need more than a filling but less than a crown. These custom-crafted restorations fit precisely into or onto your tooth, creating a seamless repair that both strengthens and protects. Many Lakewood patients don't realize this excellent option exists, falling between traditional fillings and full crowns. The beauty of inlays and onlays lies in their ability to conserve your natural tooth while providing exceptional durability – they typically last two to three times longer than standard fillings, making them a smart investment in your long-term dental health.
The Perfect Middle-Ground Solution
When you visit our Lakewood practice for an inlay or onlay, the process begins with a thorough examination of your damaged tooth. We determine if this conservative approach is right for you based on the extent of damage and location in your mouth. For teeth with decay or damage confined to the cusps or valleys of your chewing surface, an inlay fits perfectly within these contours. For more extensive damage that extends over one or more cusps, an onlay provides the necessary coverage while preserving much more of your natural tooth than a crown would require.
We create a detailed digital impression of your tooth, which we use to custom-craft your restoration in strong, tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin. These materials match your natural tooth color and can actually strengthen your tooth by up to 75%, preventing further damage and decay. While your custom restoration is being created, we place a temporary filling to protect your tooth. On your return visit, we bond the inlay or onlay permanently to your tooth, adjusting it precisely for your bite and comfort. The final result is a restoration that's virtually invisible, incredibly durable, and preserves the maximum amount of your natural tooth structure – something that makes both you and your dentist happy.
Beyond Traditional Restorations
What truly sets our inlays and onlays apart from typical dental restorations is our commitment to both form and function. Unlike traditional metal fillings that can expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially creating cracks in your natural tooth over time, our tooth-colored inlays and onlays maintain their stability regardless of temperature.
Our approach focuses on creating a precise fit that actually reinforces your tooth's structural integrity rather than just filling a void. This precision comes from our detailed digital impressions and skilled lab technicians who craft each restoration specifically for your unique tooth anatomy. Many patients are surprised to discover that after placement, they can't feel where their natural tooth ends and the restoration begins – both visually and functionally, the integration is seamless.
Additionally, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure than crowns, aligning with our conservative treatment philosophy. This preservation of natural tooth is not just aesthetically beneficial – it maintains more of your tooth's inherent strength and reduces the likelihood of sensitivity or complications. For our Lakewood patients who value long-lasting, natural-looking results with minimal intervention, inlays and onlays represent the gold standard in restorative care.
Schedule Your Consultation
Ready to discover if inlays or onlays are the right solution for your damaged teeth? Our Lakewood dental practice makes the consultation process straightforward and comfortable. We offer convenient appointment times to accommodate your busy schedule, including early morning options. Many patients express relief when they learn they have this middle-ground option that avoids the need for a full crown while providing better protection than a standard filling. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile with custom inlays or onlays.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between inlays, onlays, and traditional fillings?
Traditional fillings are molded directly in your tooth during a single visit but have limitations in size and strength. Inlays fit within the cusps of your tooth and are custom-created for a precise fit. Onlays extend over one or more cusps, covering more surface area. Both inlays and onlays are crafted from stronger materials in a dental lab or with in-office milling technology, resulting in restorations that typically last 15-30 years compared to 5-10 years for traditional fillings.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, inlays and onlays typically last 15-30 years – significantly longer than traditional fillings. Their longevity comes from both the high-quality materials used and the custom-fit design that distributes biting forces properly. Regular checkups, good home care, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or using teeth as tools will help maximize the lifespan of your restoration.
Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. We thoroughly numb the area before treatment, and many people report that getting an inlay or onlay feels similar to having a filling placed. After the procedure, some patients experience mild sensitivity for a few days, which typically resolves quickly. We provide detailed post-procedure care instructions to ensure your comfort throughout the healing process.
Are inlays and onlays covered by dental insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover inlays and onlays at the same rate as fillings or at a percentage of the total cost, typically classifying them as a "major" or "basic" restoration depending on your specific plan. Our office team verifies your benefits before treatment and explains any out-of-pocket costs. We also offer payment plans for patients without insurance coverage or when there's a difference between insurance coverage and treatment cost.
How many appointments are needed for an inlay or onlay?
Traditional inlays and onlays typically require two appointments – one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and a second to bond the final restoration. However, our practice also offers same-day inlays and onlays using advanced CEREC technology for qualifying cases. During your consultation, we'll determine which approach works best for your specific situation and explain the timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
Why would I choose an inlay or onlay instead of a crown?
Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns because they require removing less of your natural tooth structure. This preservation of healthy tooth material helps maintain the tooth's inherent strength and reduces the risk of sensitivity or complications. Additionally, inlays and onlays are usually less expensive than crowns while still providing excellent durability and protection for teeth with moderate damage. They're ideal for situations where a filling isn't strong enough but a crown would be unnecessarily invasive.
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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