While cosmetic dentistry does aim to improve appearance, it also focuses on the function of the teeth. Cosmetic dentists often perform certain procedures that help enhance the teeth, while also ensuring that the procedure will benefit the tooth's health and functionality.
Inlays and onlays are two common types of fillings that work to improve appearance and function. Cosmetic dentists use these fillings to help restore a patient's tooth, while also ensuring that the tooth looks clean and healthy.
Both inlays and onlays are considered indirect fillings. This means that they are created outside of the mouth, as opposed to a traditional dental filling that is put directly into the tooth during the procedure. Typically, a dental lab will fabricate inlays and onlays in a dental lab. Then, the cosmetic dentist will bond it to the tooth that is in bad shape.
Cosmetic dentists often recommend inlays and onlays for patients that have moderate damage. Damages include minor staining, small chips or cavities. Additionally, it is good to know that inlays and onlays are used primarily for molars. Molars often require a traditional filling or a dental crown when they are in bad shape. Cosmetic dentistry tends to use inlays and onlays because they are a nice in-between of the two.
When an inlay or onlay is used in cosmetic dentistry, it is likely that there will be two to three appointments required. The first appointment allows the dentist to remove any decayed areas within the cusps or directly on the cusps. Then, impressions can be made so that the dental lab can custom make the indirect filling. The patient will return to their cosmetic dentist for placement of the inlay or onlay. After a few weeks of recovery, the cosmetic dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the tooth is adapting well to the filling.
Cosmetic dentists use inlays to help patients achieve better form and function of their back teeth. Inlays are used in cosmetic dentistry for treating problems within the small cusps of a molar. When there is a stain or infected area in between the cusps of a molar, the cosmetic dentist will recommend an inlay filling.
Onlays are the other type of indirect filling that cosmetic dentists tend to recommend. They are used when the molar requires treatment on one or more of the cusps. Damage tends to occur on the cusps, more often than not. This because the cusps are raised and they are responsible for chewing and grinding foods. Additionally, those that grind their teeth at night, will experience extra wear and tear on the cups since the top arch meets up with the bottom arch through the cusps.
Want to learn more about inlays and onlays in cosmetic dentistry? Reach out today to learn more, ask questions, go over concerns or get started with the process. Our cosmetic dentistry team is here to help!
Request an appointment here: https://www.drearlweisbrod.com or call Empire Dental - Earl Weisbrod, DMD at (602) 567-4883 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The busyness of moving to a new city can make it easy to forget about routine dental checkups. However, it is important to find a dentist as soon as you relocate to a new area so there is no lapse between six-month cleanings and examinations. It is also necessary to have a dentist lined up…
Are you considering getting a smile makeover and looking into all the available options? While some people who want to makeover their smile know exactly what they want, not everyone does. This makes it a good idea for anyone interested in getting their smile made over to understand the options available, which often starts with…
Trying to find a dentist can be a long process, but there are certain points patients can look for to make the search easier. While it is up to individual patients to decide what qualities matter most, these three aspects of a dental office can be kept in mind to help narrow down choices. Every…
Choosing a new dentist can be an overwhelming task and not one that many people look forward to doing. It is a lot easier to find a dentist who is trustworthy, competent, and personable when you have the right tools and information on the search. From asking the right questions to spotting the characteristics of…