Inlays & Onlays

Inlays & Onlays in Clinton MD

Inlays and onlays are conservative and effective dental restorations offered at Winning Smiles Family Dentistry to repair and strengthen teeth with mild to moderate damage or decay. Here’s what you should know about inlays and onlays:

1. Purpose: Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations designed to restore the structural integrity and function of teeth that have sustained damage or decay. They are a conservative alternative to full dental crowns.
2. Distinguishing Features:
   • Inlays: Inlays are used to repair damage or decay within the central part of a tooth, typically within the grooves (pits and fissures) on the chewing surface.
   • Onlays: Onlays are used for more extensive damage that may involve the tooth’s cusps or a larger portion of the chewing surface.
3. Custom-Crafted: Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted to fit precisely into the prepared cavity of the damaged tooth. They are fabricated from durable materials, such as porcelain or composite resin, chosen to match the color and strength of your natural teeth.
4. Procedure Overview: The process of receiving inlays and onlays typically involves the following steps:
   • Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, leaving behind a clean and healthy tooth structure.
   • Impression: An impression of the prepared tooth is taken, which is used to create your custom-made inlay or onlay.
   • Temporary Restoration: While your permanent restoration is being crafted, a temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth.
   • Fitting: Once your inlay or onlay is ready, it is carefully fitted and bonded to the tooth, restoring its strength and function.
5. Function and Benefits: Inlays and onlays offer several important functions and benefits:
   • Preservation: These restorations preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible while effectively repairing damage or decay.
   • Strength: Inlays and onlays reinforce the tooth, making it more resilient and less susceptible to further damage.
   • Aesthetics: Inlays and onlays are custom-designed to match the color and contour of your natural teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing result.
   • Durability: With proper care and maintenance, inlays and onlays can last for many years, offering a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
   • Comfort: These restorations feel natural and comfortable, allowing you to bite and chew without discomfort.
6. Post-Care: Following the placement of inlays and onlays, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, is essential to ensure the longevity of your restoration and overall oral health.
7. Cost-Effective: Inlays and onlays are a cost-effective solution for repairing and restoring teeth, often preventing the need for more extensive dental procedures in the future.

If you have a tooth with mild to moderate damage or decay and are seeking a conservative and effective solution, inlays and onlays may be the right choice for you. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our inlays and onlays services, please contact Winning Smiles Family Dentistry at (301) 868-2004 or visit our dental office at 7801 Old Branch Ave #206, Clinton, MD 20735. Our experienced dental team is dedicated to providing you with top-quality care and helping you achieve a healthy and restored smile through inlays and onlays.