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The Right Restoration for the Right Situation
Not every damaged or decayed tooth needs a full crown. And not every situation can be adequately addressed with a standard filling. Inlays and onlays exist in that middle ground, offering a more substantial restoration than a filling while preserving significantly more natural tooth structure than a crown.
At White Center Smiles in Seattle, we recommend inlays and onlays when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling to handle properly but the overall tooth structure is still healthy enough that a full crown would be unnecessarily aggressive. It is a conservative approach that prioritizes keeping as much of your natural tooth intact as possible.
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What Is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
Inlays and onlays are both custom-made restorations fabricated to fit precisely within or over a specific area of a damaged tooth. The difference between them comes down to location and coverage.
- Inlays - An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, restoring the area between the raised edges on the chewing surface. It is used when the damage or decay is contained within that inner area and has not extended to the outer cusps.
- Onlays - An onlay extends beyond the inner area to cover one or more of the outer cusps of the tooth. It is sometimes called a partial crown because it covers a larger portion of the tooth surface. An onlay is used when the damage is more extensive and the cusps themselves need to be protected and restored.
Both inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated from durable, tooth-colored materials and bonded directly to the tooth for a precise, natural-looking fit.
What to Expect During Your Appointments
01.
Examination and Diagnosis
We examine the affected tooth using digital X-rays and a clinical assessment to determine whether an inlay or onlay is the most appropriate restoration for your situation.
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02.
Tooth Preparation
Local anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable. The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed and the area is shaped to receive the inlay or onlay precisely.
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03.
Impressions or Digital Scan
A precise impression or digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken and used to fabricate your custom restoration. Every detail is captured to ensure an accurate fit.
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04.
Temporary Protection
A temporary restoration is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while your permanent inlay or onlay is being fabricated.
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05.
Fitting Your Permanent Restoration
At your second appointment, the temporary is removed and your custom inlay or onlay is carefully fitted and bonded to the tooth. We check the fit, bite, and appearance before permanently cementing it in place.
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06.
Final Polish and Bite Check
The restoration is polished to a smooth finish and your bite is checked to make sure everything feels comfortable and natural before you leave.
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Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays offer several meaningful benefits over both traditional fillings and full crowns.
- More Conservative Than a Crown - A crown requires significant reshaping of the entire tooth. An inlay or onlay only addresses the damaged area, leaving the surrounding healthy tooth structure completely intact.
- More Durable Than a Filling - Standard composite or amalgam fillings are not always strong enough for larger areas of damage, particularly on the back molars where chewing forces are greatest. Inlays and onlays are fabricated from stronger materials and bonded more securely, making them a more durable long-term solution.
- Natural Appearance - Modern inlays and onlays are made from tooth-colored ceramic or composite materials that blend seamlessly with your natural tooth. Nobody needs to know you have had dental work done.
- Precise Fit - Because inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated from a precise impression or digital scan of your tooth, they fit more accurately than a filling placed directly in the mouth. This reduces the risk of gaps where bacteria can enter.
- Long-Lasting Protection - With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10 to 30 years, making them one of the most durable restorative options available in dentistry today.
Restore Your Tooth the Right Way
A custom inlay or onlay from White Center Smiles gives you a durable, natural-looking restoration that protects your tooth without going further than necessary.
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