At Jersey Smile, inlays and onlays are used in lieu of full dental crowns. This is the more conservative approach. These tooth restorations can fix back teeth with minor to moderate damage or decay. Composite resin, porcelain, and gold materials are used to make dental inlays & onlays. If you have a tooth that needs some attention, contact Jersey Smile today to learn more.

Inlays are restorations that are placed on the center of the tooth. Tooth-colored inlays can replace old metal fillings while onlays extend beyond one or more tooth cusps.

What’s more, the process of bonding an inlay or onlay to a damaged tooth can improve strength and help seal the restoration to the surface.

The Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

There are several reasons why your Berkeley Heights, NJ dentist may recommend inlays or onlays to restore your smile:

Natural-looking restoration: Because dental inlays and onlays are made of tooth-colored material, virtually undetectable compared to traditional fillings.

Just the right fit: Metal fillings expand and contract when exposed to varying temperatures. In comparison, this doesn’t happen with inlays and onlays.

Long-lasting solution: Inlays and onlays can outlast any other type of dental filling. In fact, they can remain in good shape for up to 30 years.

Minimal tooth removal: Just a small amount of the tooth structure must be removed to place an inlay or onlay. As a result, more of the healthy tooth remains.

The Procedure for Placing Inlays & Onlays

Usually, two visits to Jersey Smile are needed to complete these procedures. During the first appointment, your Berkeley Heights, NJ dentist, will take an impression. This will be sent to an outside dental lab where your inlay or onlay will be fabricated. You will leave the office this day with a temporary restoration to protect the affected tooth between visits. At your second visit, the temporary filling material will be removed. Then, the permanent restoration will be placed on the tooth.

If you want to find out more about dental inlays & onlays Berkeley Heights, NJ, call the professionals at Jersey Smile today.