Dental Inlays & Onlays in Tweed
Inlays and onlays are custom-made fillings used to help repair decayed or damaged teeth. Your Tweed dental team may recommend inlays and onlays as an alternative to other dental restorations such as fillings or crowns.
How does the inlay/onlay process work?
Patients typically require two appointments for inlays or onlays process to be completed.
At your first dental appointment, the old filling or decayed part of the tooth is removed and your tooth prepared for the inlay or onlay.
Then your dentist will take an impression of the tooth, which is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom-made inlay or onlay will be fabricated. A sealant is applied to protect the tooth and we will schedule your second appointment.
During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the sealant and bond your inlay or onlay to the tooth using a strong resin. Then the restoration is shaped to ensure it does not interfere with your bite.
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
Inlays fit inside the cusps or bumps of your tooth, similar to a regular filling. Onlays are similar but cover more surface area of a tooth and will usually wrap over at least one edge. A dental crown is a type of onlay that completely covers all surfaces of a tooth.