Dental Inlays and Onlays

Decay and other tooth damage can jeopardize the health and appearance of your smile. When a tooth needs decay removed or is chipped, the lost tooth material must be replaced. When a large portion of the tooth is gone, a filling may not be ideal. Dental inlays and onlays are a cosmetic dentistry treatment when a tooth needs more than a filling but does not require a dental crown. At Sapphire Creek Dental in New Braunfels, TX, we offer dental inlays and onlays to restore damaged teeth, improving their health and appearance.

Teeth are tough. However, once the structure is compromised, it can leave them vulnerable to cracks, chips and other damage. If a tooth has had more than one cavity removed or is chipped, it is weakened. A dental crown can add protection, but more of the natural tooth material must be removed. Another option is using inlays or onlays that are bonded into or over a portion of the tooth to give it protection while improving the shape and appearance.

Cosmetic Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are like dental crowns in how they are created and placed. Unlike fillings that are soft materials hardened on the tooth, inlays and onlays are created in a dental lab from a mold or 3-D image of the damaged tooth. Made from porcelain, an inlay is inserted inside the tooth to fill lost material, while onlays fit over the cusp of the tooth. These dental enhancements are bonded in place and made from porcelain to create a stain-resistant, white covering for the tooth.

If you need a major tooth repair or want to cover ugly silver fillings, dental inlays and onlays may be an option. Sapphire Creek Dental offers cosmetic tooth repair options like composite fillings, dental crowns, inlays and onlays to fix damaged teeth and restore an attractive smile at our practice in New Braunfels, TX. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.