Get Porcelain Inlays or Onlays at Our Victoria Dental Office
Inlays Vs. Onlays
If your old fillings need to be replaced or your teeth have cavities, Dr. Crapo & Associates in Victoria might suggest inlays or onlays. Inlays are restorations that fits between the cusps, or bumps, in your teeth, similar to fillings, whereas onlays are used to cap one or more cusps.
​
Inlays and onlays are made of materials such as zirconia, porcelain, or gold and involve two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and design, and one to bond or cement the inlay or onlay.
Zirconia or porcelain restorations allow your smile to look as natural as possible and are an effective way to restore your tooth’s form and function. Dr. Crapo will help you decide what material and restoration best suits your needs. Call us today to make an appointment.
The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are effective dental restoration options that offer several advantages over traditional crowns and fillings. These restorations not only preserve the healthy portion of a tooth but also enhance overall oral health and offer a precise fit and tailor-made solution to moderate tooth decay
​
Preserving Natural Structure
The natural tooth structures of enamel and dentin are the optimum materials for functions like biting and chewing, so it is beneficial to preserve them if possible. With inlays and onlays, the healthy parts of a tooth can remain in place and retain their natural strength and integrity while also protecting bone health in the jaw. This is important for jaw stability and facial structure as well as limiting the risk of periodontal disease. Also, because the materials used for inlays or onlays are biocompatible, they are gentle on your gums and are less likely than metals and other common dental restoration materials to cause allergic reactions.
Precision Fit & Oral Hygiene
Since inlays and onlays are crafted to fit precisely within the contours of a tooth, the restoration fits snug to the natural tooth. This great fit prevents the accumulation of bacteria and plaque between the repair and the existing tooth. It also makes inlays and onlays easy to clean and prevents food particles from getting trapped in, on, or around the tooth.
Durability & Aesthetic Appeal
The natural fit and function of inlays or onlays offer durability and strength to an affected tooth. Both zirconia, porcelain materials can withstand long-term use without the need for frequent replacement. Further to that, they both perfectly fill in a tooth and provide a natural-looking restoration, which is great for facial aesthetics and confidence in one’s smile.
Stability
Compared to amalgam fillings that can expand and contract, inlays or onlays are stable. Both maintain their shape and size whenever they experience a change in temperature or pressure. This means less tooth sensitivity for you, which enhances your comfort when eating, drinking, or experiencing pressure changes due to the weather or travelling in various altitudes.
Simplicity
​
Inlays or onlays can be used to repair moderately decayed or damaged teeth, they offer a straightforward solution to tooth restoration that is minimally invasive, preserving more tooth structure than a crown, and more appropriate than a filling. The procedures for inlays or onlays make them a convenient option for patients seeking efficient and effective dental care.
To learn more about inlays or onlays in Victoria, contact the dental clinic of Dr. C Ross Crapo & Associates.
Rediscovering the joys of eating
After learning about Dr. Crapo from another satisfied patient, Francis came in to see us, hoping to solve the pain he was experiencing in his bite. At first look, gum disease had taken hold, and his teeth were beyond help. Dr. Crapo recommended implants and implant-supported dentures.
​
“I couldn’t eat. Not even an apple! So something had to be done. After talking to Lou, I decided to come to Dr. Crapo. Dr. Crapo’s team… they have a plan. They do all things according to plan, no surprises. I really enjoy eating now. The whole experience of dental implants from Dr. Crapo really improved the quality of my life.”
​
- Francis