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Inlays and Onlays
Reliable Solutions to Revive Your Smile!

Inlays and onlays are a conservative option for restoring a damaged tooth and reviving your smile.

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Inlays and Onlays in Wellesley

inlay going onto a tooth

One of my goals at Wellesley Hills Dental is to provide the highest-quality services and materials. That’s why I might recommend an inlay or onlay for a tooth that has been broken, decayed, fractured, or damaged.

Understanding Dental Inlays and Onlays

Think of inlays and onlays as customized fillings. They are a more conservative choice for teeth that need more than a traditional dental filling but aren’t quite ready for a dental crown. Inlays and onlays also preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns, which is why I like this option for my patients.

What Is an Inaly?

A dental inlay eliminates decay and repairs smaller areas within the tooth's cusps. This strengthens and restores the tooth’s chewing surface.

What Is an Onlay?

While a crown covers the tooth entirely, an onlay is ideal for more extensive yet conservative repairs because it covers the cusps and chewing surfaces of your tooth while still preserving more tooth structure than a crown.

What Are the Advantages of Inlays and Onlays in Wellesley Hills?

Inlays and onlays provide several benefits for your dental health. Here are some reasons why they may be the right choice for your smile.
Provides Strength
Since the inlay or onlay is bonded directly to your tooth, it provides excellent durability.
Custom Fit
I customize each inlay or onlay specifically for your tooth with impressions and my specifications.
Durability
Inlays and onlays are more durable than a composite resin filling and may last longer.
Tooth Structure
Inlays and onlays allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a dentist passionate about advanced dental solutions, I love explaining the intricate world of inlays and onlays. These custom-made dental restorations are primarily crafted from high-quality ceramic porcelain, offering a perfect blend of durability, aesthetics, and functionality.
 
Ceramic porcelain has become the gold standard for inlays and onlays due to its remarkable properties. Unlike traditional metal fillings, porcelain provides a natural-looking restoration that seamlessly blends with your existing tooth color. The material is meticulously color-matched to ensure an almost invisible repair that looks just like your natural tooth enamel.
 
Beyond aesthetics, ceramic porcelain offers exceptional durability. These restorations are incredibly strong and resistant to wear, often lasting much longer than traditional fillings. The material is also biocompatible and less likely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivity.

Getting a Dental Inlay or Onlay in Wellesley Hills

The fabrication process is precise and sophisticated. We take detailed impressions of the affected tooth, and the inlay or onlay is custom-crafted in a dental laboratory. The porcelain is carefully shaped to fit precisely within or over the damaged portion of the tooth, providing maximum protection and restoration.
 
While ceramic porcelain is our primary material, some patients might have alternative options depending on their specific dental needs. Composite resin and gold are occasionally used, though porcelain remains the most popular choice for its natural appearance and long-lasting performance.
 
Inlays are designed to fit within the tooth's cusps, while onlays can cover one or more cusps, providing a more extensive restoration. Regardless of the type, we always aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while providing optimal protection and aesthetics. 
 
You can learn more about onlays and inlays in Wellesley Hills by calling my team at (781) 237-6511.

What’s the Process of Getting Inlays and Onlays?

inlay going onto a toothInlays and onlays are created in a dental lab using specifications from impressions we take of your teeth. We typically choose ceramic porcelain material for the restoration. I instruct the dental lab on a custom shade that blends seamlessly with your tooth and complements your smile. 

Similar to getting a crown, the process requires two appointments. During the first visit, I’ll take impressions of your tooth and create the design for your inlay or onlay. We will also make a temporary inlay or onlay to protect your tooth while the dental lab fabricates your restoration.

The lab typically takes two to three weeks to handcraft your inlay or onlay. Then, you’ll return to our Wellesley Hills dental office so I can permanently place your restoration and make any necessary adjustments to your bite.

Would You Like More Information about Dental Inlays and Onlays?

My team is always happy to answer your questions about treatment recommendations. Call Wellesley Hills Dental at (781) 237-6511 if you have questions about onlays or inlays in Wellesley Hills, MA.

  • Dr. Hanna Cao

    Dr. Hanna Cao brings a rich heritage and unique perspective to Wellesley Hills Dental as a second-generation dentist. Her journey in dentistry began even before dental school, where she worked as a dental lab technician - an experience that cultivated her exceptional hand skills, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of crafting teeth that are both beautiful and functional.
     
    After earning her BA in Psychology from Brandeis University, Dr. Cao pursued her DDS degree at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2012. Her outstanding performance in general dentistry ...
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Testimonial

She provides a very positive experience of going to the dentist.

Dr. Cao and her team are always professional, efficient, friendly and informative. She provides a very positive experience of going to the dentist.

-Gregory