Tooth Colored Inlays and Onlays

Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Palm Beach

Some of us remember gold inlays and onlays and their long-lasting durability. But pretty? Not really; not by today's standards. But you can possibly avoid caps and conserve tooth structure if you are a candidate for these tooth colored, lab processed, and beautifully crafted laser bonded inlays or onlays.

An inlay is used when tooth decay or damage lies within the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is used if the extent of damage is greater; requiring the new restoration to cover the entire chewing surface of one or more tooth cusp tips. Inlays and onlays allow for the preservation of healthy tooth structure while strengthening it at the same time.

Tooth Colored Inlays and Onlays are indicated treatment when only part of the tooth structure is damaged. They can be utilized to repair a tooth damaged by trauma or decay while conserving healthy tooth structure. Also they are finished mostly away from the gum line, which in turn enhances the health of your gum. They can be sculpted and laser bonded into the existing tooth structure like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle. The result is a beautiful, "hidden restoration," in which you are unable to detect where the natural tooth ends and the onlay or inlay begins.

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure

After preparing and impressing the tooth, new high tech porcelain and resin materials are fabricated at the dental lab to custom fit and perfectly match your tooth color. Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, the inlay or onlay is then laser bonded onto your tooth to become "one", natural looking tooth. Even dentists have been fooled by their appearance, thinking they are virgin teeth that have never been restored.

Because of the strength of laser bonding, there is no need to cut away chunks of healthy tooth structure or grind the tooth down to a stub for the sake of retention. Only the decay and damaged tooth structure is removed. Hence, teeth will last longer and dental emergencies will be minimized. The result is a "whole" tooth that looks like a virgin tooth without any dental restoration in it. In summary, inlays and onlays enable Dr. O'Neil to conserve your tooth structure and enhance your gum health.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are a highly cosmetic way to strengthen and protect teeth weakened by wear and decay. To learn more about this restoration option, schedule a white fillings consultation with Dr. O'Neil.

7707 N. University Dr., Suite 201
Tamarac, FL 33321

Call Dr. O’Neil at 800-458-9140 or fill out an online contact form so we can get in touch with you.