Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays can act as excellent alternatives to traditional fillings or crowns when repairing damage to the surface of a tooth; they can even be used to replace older, damaged fillings. While inlays and onlays can be made from gold or composite resin, porcelain has become the most popular material due to its strength and versatile ability to match the natural color of the surrounding teeth.
Though inlays and onlays are made in the same way, they serve slightly different purposes. Inlays are used to fill in a cavity or cover a crack that has developed within a cusp of a tooth, while onlays are placed when damage or decay extends to one or more of the cusps. Both are made by sending a mold of the affected tooth to a dental lab to have a custom inlay or onlay created to exact specifications.
A private initial consultation with Dr. Laura Hannon can help you decide whether an onlay or inlay is the ideal procedure for your dental needs. Contact her office today if you would like to schedule a time to meet with Dr. Hannon personally and discuss your dental needs.