a beautiful girl smiling and happy with her dental treatments at Culver Village Dental in Culver City

Upgrade Your Smile With Inlays and Onlays

If you're unhappy with the appearance of old fillings, modern tooth-colored treatments can rejuvenate and enhance your smile. Silver and gold fillings are becoming a thing of the past, replaced by more aesthetic options like inlays and onlays. These treatments are similar to traditional fillings, as they fit inside the tooth where a cavity once was, sealing it effectively. The key difference is that inlays and onlays come in a variety of tooth-colored materials, offering a more natural and uniform appearance.

Since inlays and onlays often replace old fillings, the cavity has already been treated, making the procedure quicker, easier, and generally pain-free. Not only do they provide a durable solution, but they also result in a more natural-looking smile.

Protect and Strengthen Your Teeth With Inlays and Onlays

Inlays

Inlays are known for their exceptional durability and strength, making them an ideal solution for protecting and sealing a tooth from further damage. Custom-made to fit each individual tooth, inlays are cemented securely in place, offering long-lasting protection. One of their key advantages is their ability to shield the tooth from air and food particles, which can cause sensitivity. Before applying an inlay, the dentist thoroughly cleans and removes any bacteria from inside the tooth, ensuring optimal oral hygiene. With proper care, inlays are more stable and longer-lasting than traditional fillings, offering enhanced protection for your tooth.

Onlays

Onlays share many of the same benefits as inlays, with the added advantage of preserving more of the natural tooth structure. Unlike crowns, which often require significant removal of the tooth, onlays provide extra strength and support without sacrificing much of the tooth. Custom-fitted for each patient, onlays are made from stain-resistant materials, ensuring they maintain their appearance and durability over time. With proper care, onlays can last for years, providing both functional support and a natural look.

Which is Best for Your Teeth Inlays Onlays or Veneers?

Veneers

Veneers are custom-made coverings that are placed over the front surface of the teeth. While they improve the appearance of the teeth, they are not designed to protect against damage or decay. To fit the veneer, the dentist must shave down most of the tooth to make room for the covering. This process is irreversible, meaning if a veneer becomes chipped or broken, the patient will have a compromised tooth until it is repaired or replaced.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays serve a more protective role than veneers. These treatments are designed to restore and protect teeth by filling in cavities and sealing the surrounding area with durable, specialized dental material. Once in place, inlays and onlays seal the tooth and provide protection from further damage or decay, making them an effective option for maintaining long-term oral health. Unlike veneers, which are primarily cosmetic, inlays and onlays are functional restorations that also prevent future tooth damage.

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