Inlays and Onlays
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are types of restorations that can be thought of as a mixture of a dental crown and a filling. Inlays sit inside the cusps of your child’s teeth and onlays sit over the top of them. Both inlays and onlays can last for many years, and they will help to restore the beauty and functionality of your child’s smile. They are custom-made to fit your child’s teeth perfectly for a flawless and comfortable fit.
Why would Inlays and Onlays be needed?
There are a few reasons for why your child might need an inlay or onlay. They might have a large area of decay or a filling that needs to be replaced. We might recommend these restorations if they have cracked or broken a tooth only on the very surface. Rather than place a full crown, the inlay or onlay can restore the tooth and prevent complete compromising of dentition.
Who is a candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
To determine if your child might need an inlay or onlay, it is important to bring them in for an exam. The exam allows us to determine if the restoration is necessary and if so, the best way to go about placing it. If your child has an older inlay or onlay, we can easily replace it with a brand new one. Your child will find that the inlay or onlay that is placed offers both restorative and cosmetic benefits.
What happens during the procedure for Inlays and Onlays?
The inlay or onlay process will begin by removing any decay or old filling from your child’s tooth. We typically administer a local anesthetic to improve your child’s comfort during treatment. We then take impressions and use these to make the actual restoration. Once this is done, your child will come in for a second appointment to have the restoration placed. With the proper care and oral hygiene, their inlay or onlay will last for many years and will only need to be replaced as it shows signs of damage or wear.
If you would like to learn more about the inlay and onlay process for your child, call us today to speak with one of our friendly team members.