Inlays & Onlays

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays in Charlotte, NC

Repair Your Smile After Cavities and Decay

patient examining smile in hand mirrorAre you dreaming of a flawless, radiant smile that exudes confidence? Look no further! Porcelain inlays and onlays offer the key to unlocking a more perfect smile. At Capstone Dental, Dr. Yang, one of the bests dentists in Charlotte, NC, offers these personalized restorative dentistry treatments to help patients achieve restored, healthy smiles! 

 

What are Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

Porcelain inlays and onlays offer a versatile and durable solution for damaged or decayed teeth. They’re often used when traditional fillings might not be sufficient, providing a more robust alternative that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth color. Dr. Yang’s approach to porcelain inlays and onlays ensures that patients receive personalized and comfortable care, tailored to their unique dental needs.

 

Benefits of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional dental restorations:

  • Natural Aesthetics: Porcelain mimics the appearance of natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and attractive smile.
  • Longevity: With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last for many years, providing durable results.
  • Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike dental crowns, inlays, and onlays require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, preserving the tooth’s integrity.
  • Stain Resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to stains, helping the restorations maintain color and translucency over time.
  • Biocompatibility: Porcelain is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivity.

 

The Difference Between Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are similar in their purpose, but they are used to address different levels of tooth damage:

Woman smiling after dental implants in Charlotte!Porcelain Inlays

Porcelain inlays are an excellent choice when the tooth’s biting surface is damaged or decayed. They are custom-made restorations that fit perfectly within the grooves of the tooth. Inlays are designed to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible while providing strength and stability to the affected area.

Porcelain Onlays

Porcelain onlays, on the other hand, are used when the damage extends beyond the tooth’s biting surface and covers one or more of its cusps. These restorations cover a larger portion of the tooth and are ideal for cases where a dental crown may not be necessary. Onlays ensure a precise fit and restore the tooth to its optimal form and function.

 

The Porcelain Inlays and Onlays Process

Consultation and Examination

During the initial consultation, Dr. Yang will assess your dental health and determine whether porcelain inlays or onlays are the best options for your needs. X-rays and impressions may be taken to create custom restorations that fit precisely with your natural teeth.

Tooth Preparation

Before placing the porcelain inlays or onlays, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be gently removed. Dr. Yang will ensure that only the affected area is treated, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

Temporary Restoration

While your custom inlays or onlays are being fabricated in a dental laboratory, a temporary restoration will be placed to protect your tooth.

Final Placement

Once the custom-made porcelain inlays or onlays are ready, you will return for the final fitting. Dr. Yang will ensure a perfect fit and bond the restorations securely to your teeth, restoring your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

The decision between inlays or dental fillings depends on your needs. While dental fillings are suitable for smaller cavities, porcelain inlays are more appropriate for larger areas of tooth damage or decay. Inlays are custom-made in a dental laboratory and precisely fit into the damaged area of the tooth, providing a more secure and durable restoration. Your dentist will inform you of which restoration they believe will suit you best.

No, the procedure for getting porcelain inlays and onlays is generally not painful. Before the treatment, local anesthesia is used to numb the area being worked on, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. It’s normal to experience mild sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, but this should subside within a short time.

The cost of porcelain inlays and onlays can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of damage, the number of restorations needed, and the location of the dental practice. Consult your dentist and discuss the specific details of your case to get an accurate cost estimate.

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain inlays and onlays can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Unlike traditional fillings, which may need replacement more frequently, porcelain inlays and onlays offer exceptional durability and longevity. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits that may damage your teeth will help extend the lifespan of your restorations.

Restore Your Healthy Smile With Custom Inlays & Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays are meticulously crafted restorative treatments that provide exceptional results. Dr. Yang, a leading expert in restorative dentistry in Charlotte, NC, has built a reputation for delivering personalized and comfortable care to patients seeking to regain their confidence with a beautiful and natural-looking smile. 

Call our office at 980-202-5696 to schedule your consultation today. We welcome patients from Charlotte and surrounding Matthews, Mint Hill, and Huntersville.