To care for one’s teeth is, at times, more than just getting a simple filling. That’s where inlays and onlays come in. But, what are they? How do they work? Let’s break it down in a way everyone can understand.
Imagine you have a tooth that either has a large cavity or has cracked. Now, a simple filling would not be enough to fix the problem. So your dentist would advise an inlay or an onlay. This is an individual piece made to fit inside or onto your tooth, making your tooth strong and healthy again.
Inlays are used where the damage lies inside the tooth, in between the cusps: that is, the rounded corners of your teeth. Think about it: an inlay is like a puzzle piece tailored to fit perfectly into the hole in your tooth.
Onlays are used when the damage is a bit more extensive, covering one or more of the cusps of your tooth. You could say an onlay is like a little cap that goes over your tooth to protect it.
How Are Inlays and Onlays Made?
Getting an inlay or onlay is a bit like getting a filling, but there are a few extra steps involved. Here’s what happens:
- Visit your dentist first: In Stamford, CT, this may mean visiting dentist first.
- Preparing the tooth: Your dentist will make preparations for the tooth area. Basically, the damaged or decaying portion of your tooth is carefully removed. This will create a good space fitting for either an inlay or onlay.
- Making an Impression: The dentist then makes an impression of your tooth. It’s like a mold of your tooth to receive the inlay or onlay.
- Making the Inlay or Onlay: The impression gets sent to the lab, which makes the inlay or onlay. They can be made from several materials: gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. A common one is porcelain because it resembles the color and shape of your natural teeth.
- Inlay or Onlay Placement: Once it’s ready, you go back to the dentist. The dentist will fit the inlay or onlay into your tooth and check whether it fits properly. They might make some adjustments to ensure a good fit.
- Bonding: A special bonding agent binds the inlay or onlay in place with your tooth. Then the dentist polishes it, and you’re done!
What Are the Reasons to Have an Inlay/Onlay?
Unlike fillings, inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth, and they serve the same purposes as fillings, such as:
- Strength: They are hard-wearing and sometimes can last for up to 30 years.
- Aesthetics: If you choose porcelain, it will look exactly like your natural tooth.
- Conservation: It conserves more of your natural tooth compared to crowns.
- Close fitting: Since they are custom-made, the fit can be perfect.
Who Requires Inlays and Onlays?
Your dentist might suggest an inlay or onlay if you have a tooth that:
- Is affected by a large cavity
- Is cracked or fractured but doesn’t require a full crown
- Has a cavity or fracture that’s too large for a standard filling
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
Caring for inlays and onlays is just like caring for your regular teeth:
- Brush twice a day to keep food and plaque from sticking onto your teeth and inlays/onlays.
- Floss daily to prevent food and plaque from getting stuck between teeth.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist from time to time for regular cleanings and check-ups. If you are looking for a dentist in Stamford, CT, you could visit Dr. Amul Patel at Aurora Smiles. Regular visits will keep your inlays and onlays in proper condition and also catch any problems early.
Dental Sealants in Stamford, CT
While we are talking about further taking care of teeth, let’s mention dental sealants. They are another tool to protect children’s teeth in particular.
Dental Sealants in Stamford, CT are a thin coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars). They prevent cavities by keeping food and bacteria out of the grooves of your teeth.
Implications of Dental Sealants
- Prevent Cavities: Sealants protect teeth from cavities for a long time.
- Quick and Painless: The procedure itself is quick and painless.
- Extra Protection: Sealants add extra protection even with all you do with brushing and flossing.
How Dental Sealants Are Applied?
- Cleaning: Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth.
- Preparation: The teeth are prepared with a solution to help the sealant stick.
- Application: The sealant is applied to the teeth.
- Curing: A light is used to harden the sealant.
The Role of Your Dentist
Whether it is inlays, onlays, or sealants, good dentistry is important. Among the finest dentists near in Stamford, CT, is Dr. Amul Patel from Aurora Smiles because he is experienced and caring, ensuring you receive the finest attention to dental care.
Inlays and onlays are ideal procedures for teeth reconstruction. They are very durable and look very natural. Basically, they are puzzles or caps that are custom-fitted to your teeth. In fact, they are cared for just like natural teeth. And remember dental sealants, particularly for kids, as another means of protecting teeth from cavities.
Remember to visit your dentist to keep that smile healthy and strong just like Dr. Amul Patel from Aurora Smiles, Stamford, CT. Inlays/onlays and dental sealants through every step, your dentist is with you.