A damaged tooth can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It can make eating uncomfortable, cause sensitivity, and leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Inlays and onlays offer a practical and effective solution to restore strength and beauty to teeth that need more support than a simple filling can provide. These custom restorations are designed to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth while preserving as much of your original tooth structure as possible. With the right care, they can bring relief, confidence, and lasting durability to your smile.

Inlays and onlays are innovative dental solutions designed to restore teeth that have suffered moderate damage or decay. They offer a middle ground between traditional fillings and crowns, providing a durable and precise fit. At Seattle Dental Studio, we focus on using advanced techniques to create seamless restorations tailored to your unique dental needs. With a commitment to both function and aesthetics, inlays and onlays can help you maintain a natural-looking, healthy smile for years to come.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations that fill in cavities or repair damage to teeth. They’re made of materials like porcelain, gold, or resin, designed to match your natural tooth color and ensure the restoration is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Inlays: An inlay fits into the space inside a tooth’s cusps where there’s decay or damage. It’s used for small to medium-sized cavities, usually on the back teeth.
• Onlays: An onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth. If the damage is more extensive, an onlay is needed to restore the strength and function of the tooth.

Both inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly, giving you a long-lasting solution that feels like your natural teeth.

When Are Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

Dr. Dbouk might recommend inlays or onlays for several dental issues:

• Extensive Decay: They’re ideal for cavities that are too large for a standard filling.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: They provide structural support to prevent further damage.
• Worn Teeth: They help restore teeth worn down by grinding or acid erosion.

Inlays and onlays are long-lasting solutions that help maintain your natural smile while protecting against future damage.

The Process of Getting Inlays or Onlays

At Seattle Dental Studio, Dr. Dbouk follows a step-by-step process to ensure your inlay or onlay fits perfectly and functions just like your natural tooth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Consultation and exam: Dr. Dbouk will examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to determine the best treatment plan.
• Preparation: The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned. This step may require local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
• Impressions: Dr. Dbouk will take impressions of your tooth, which are sent to a lab where your custom inlay or onlay is made.
• Temporary filling: While the permanent restoration is being made, a temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth.
• Placement of the final restoration: Once the inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Dbouk will carefully place it on your tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit.

Dr. Dbouk will ensure your inlay or onlay fits perfectly and feels comfortable so you can leave with a smile you love.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

There are several reasons why inlays and onlays are a great choice for many patients:

• Strengthens the Tooth: Inlays and onlays are durable and restore the function of the tooth, making it easier to chew and speak.
• Aesthetic Results: They blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them a more attractive option compared to metal fillings.
• Conservative Treatment: Unlike crowns, inlays and onlays require less tooth removal, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Long-lasting: These restorations are designed to last for many years, making them a durable solution to dental damage.

Inlays and onlays are excellent solutions for patients who need dental restorations that combine functionality with aesthetics.

Discover the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays at Seattle Dental Studio

Your dental health is our priority at Seattle Dental Studio. Inlays and onlays are excellent options for restoring teeth with moderate damage, offering a natural look and lasting strength. Our approach focuses on advanced techniques and personalized care to ensure your treatment is comfortable and effective. With inlays and onlays, you can regain a confident, healthy smile while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation with us to see how inlays and onlays can transform your dental health. Call us today at (206) 467-8302 or contact us via our contact form.