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Restorative Dentistry Treatments, Inlays And Onlays

Dental inlays and dental onlays are valuable for restoring teeth that are severely decayed or worn. Typically, they are applied to the chewing surfaces on the back teeth.

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Inlay and a Dental Onlay?

In restorative dentistry, an inlay is used more like a filling for restoring normal tooth structure. It is best if the surface is small and only involves the chewing surface and surfaces between the teeth.

An onlay is similar to an inlay but treats larger areas, covering the entire chewing surface of a tooth. Dental onlays are recommended for larger tooth restorations and when chewing surfaces require long-term protection.

What Are Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays Made of?

Since both are used in areas of heavy chewing and grinding, they must be made from durable materials. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin chosen to match the color of your teeth or they can be made of a mixture of metals called an alloy. Alloys can be a mixture of metals like gold and palladium or nickel and chromium.

What Are the Restorative Dentistry Procedures for Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays?

The tooth is first prepared by removing portions of decay or damage. The remaining tooth structure is shaped in preparation for the dental inlay or dental onlay. An impression of the tooth is made along with opposing teeth and the bite. From this, a plaster model is formed that is used for a custom fit matching the contours of the tooth.

Since both dental inlays and dental onlays are custom-made, a second appointment is needed for checking the fit and cementing the inlay or onlay permanently. At that appointment, any adjustments to the bite will be made. A final polishing adds the final touch to this restorative dentistry treatment.

By Danine M. Fresch, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Care

Do your looks affect the way people treat you? Positive self-esteem - how we feel about ourselves - is very important to a healthy personality, to happiness, to the development of a positive attitude about life, and to achievement in the direction we choose.

It is well documented that people with a positive "feeling" about themselves do better in school, in business, and have closer, more meaningful relationships.

One measure of self-esteem is how you feel about your physical appearance; or, more importantly, how you feel you look to others. The complexion, teeth, and nose, in that order, are the highest "rated" facial features.

Self-image begins to develop about age four or five. At that age, identity influences other developing traits: social skills, verbal skills, intellect, and the ability to define oneself as a successful person. In other words, at age four or five a child makes a giant step toward "I'm OK, I'm a worthwhile person," or, conversely, toward "I'm not OK." The results can often affect the remainder of that person's life.

Beauty is often more than skin deep, because the psychological damage to a person who feels unattractive can be devastating. Then there's the other side of the coin. Does how we look affect how others treat us?

Indeed. Studies have shown that good-looking people are given the benefit of the doubt over unattractive people. They're thought to be more intelligent, more likeable, higher achievers, honest, and braver than the unattractive. Even school teachers spend more time with attractive students!

Your mouth is important to your total psychological and physical well-being. Is it worth regular dental cleaning and cosmetic dental care? Is visiting your cosmetic dentist and having your broken teeth restored with beautiful dental crowns worth it? Is straightening crooked teeth with braces worth it? We think you'll probably agree, you and your family are definitely worth it!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.