Dental Inlays and Onlays to Protect Your Smile at Our Dental Office in Summerville SC
At Smile Center of Knightsville, Dr. Gourdine offers dental inlays and onlays as a conservative yet highly effective solution to repair teeth that have been affected by decay or damage. This restorative treatment is especially beneficial for rear teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay or cracks that don't require a full dental crown. By choosing inlays and onlays at our dental office in Summerville SC , you can preserve more of your natural tooth structure while still protecting your smile.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that are bonded to your teeth to strengthen and protect them. Inlays are used when the damage is confined to the center of the tooth, while onlays are designed to cover one or more cusps of the tooth. These restorations are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, but sometimes gold is used as well, offering both durability and a natural appearance. Unlike traditional metal fillings, inlays and onlays don’t expand or contract with temperature changes, ensuring a snug and stable fit over time.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
• Natural Appearance: Porcelain or resin inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them virtually invisible compared to metal fillings.
• Longevity: Inlays and onlays are incredibly durable, with the potential to last up to 30 years with proper care, making them a long-lasting solution for tooth restoration.
• Minimal Tooth Structure Removal: Since inlays and onlays only target the affected areas, they allow us to preserve as much of your healthy tooth as possible.
• Customized Fit: Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted to fit your tooth perfectly, providing superior protection and comfort.
How the Procedure Works
Restoring your tooth with an inlay or onlay typically requires two visits to our dental office in Summerville SC. During the first appointment, we’ll take a precise impression of your tooth. This impression is then sent to a dental lab where your custom inlay or onlay is created. While your restoration is being made, we will protect your tooth with a temporary inlay or onlay. At your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary restoration and bond the custom inlay or onlay in place. We will ensure that it fits perfectly and blends with your natural tooth, providing both a beautiful appearance and functional protection.
To learn more about how Smile Center of Knightsville can protect your smile with inlays and onlays, or to schedule an appointment at our dental office in Summerville SC, contact us today by calling (843) 261-0123!
