Dentists looking at an x-ray of teeth

Dental Issues for Which an Inlay or Onlay Will Suffice

It is tempting to drop your head and cover your smile if your teeth have flaws which might affect the quality of your smile. This will not only affect the quality of your life and interactions but also affect your oral and overall health even if this might not be readily evident.

Most systemic diseases have after all been linked to poor oral health. As such, it is essential to get the right solution for the repair of any flaw which is affecting your smile.

Thankfully, a cosmetic dentistry clinic based in South Jordan will have various options for the restoration of a quality smile and the boosting of your oral health. One of these is an inlay or onlay. These are made from porcelain, gold or ceramic.

Inlays are fitted within your tooth’s cusps while onlays are fitted on its grooves and around cusps. The installation of an onlay is generally more extensive compared to the inlay since in most cases, the tooth’s entire surface will be repaired.

The following are the common indications for the use of inlays and onlays in your tooth’s restoration.

Decayed Teeth

Tooth decay eats away at your tooth’s enamel layer and leaves the roots exposed to various elements which lead to dental pain. Other than the pain, dental decay will leave you with discolored teeth which affect your smile’s appearance.

If the decay has not affected the cusp of your teeth, then a dental inlay is the best choice for the restoration of your smile and tooth’s functionality. Inlays and onlays are typically used for the restoration of decayed back teeth since they are strong enough to handle the chewing forces of these teeth.

Fractured Teeth

Trauma is the primary cause of dental fractures, but a few cases of fracture arise from the consumption of extreme temperature foods and drinks. For most people, a tooth fracture is a minor inconvenience they can live with.

This fracture, however, forms the entry point for bacteria which will discolor your teeth. Moreover, most fractures will widen over time and might cause your entire tooth to fall out. Inlays and onlays will cover the fractured part and protect the tooth’s structure.

Dental Gaps

Dentist with patient

The gaps between teeth will form a perfect breeding ground for bacteria which will affect your gums and teeth. The ideal corrective option for dental gaps is an onlay which spans the edges of your teeth. This fills the gap between teeth not only boosting your teeth but also making the cleaning of your teeth easy.

Misaligned Teeth

Braces are the renowned choice for the straightening of crooked teeth. For minor misalignments of your teeth, however, the ideal choice is an onlay. This will cover the teeth and make the teeth appear straight.

There are undoubtedly other treatment options for these dental issues. Onlays and inlays are however easier to maintain and clean, have improved durability and strength and look more natural compared to other alternatives.

They are placed in two dental visits. The cost of your inlays and onlays will depend on the type of material you choose and the size and location of the restoration.

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