Cosmetic Inlays and Onlays

Traditionally, Dentists placed gold inlays and onlays on posterior or back teeth. These can be very long lasting restorations, but lack tooth colored appearance and do not strengthen teeth. Modern dentistry has created esthetic tooth colored inlays and onlays that are bonded into posterior teeth. These inlays and onlays are recommended when your large amalgam or silver fillings need replacement.

Silver fillings can leak, crack, separate from the tooth, and cause discoloration. Most often when these fillings are removed, there will be decay underneath although the patient had no complaints of pain or sensitivity. Instead of putting a crown or cap on the tooth, inlays and onlays can be done. These cosmetic inlays and onlays are more conservative than full coverage crowns and caps. There is less tooth reduced or ground down. These restorations are metalless and when bonded into the tooth, they become almost undetectable. They are kinder to the pulp or nerve of the tooth since less tooth is reduced. Last, but not least, they are bonded into the tooth which strengthens it. So, these cosmetic inlays and onlays are metalless, conservative, esthetic, and durable. That is saying a lot. If Doctors Jen Kin, Miyasaki, and Chin suggests these restorations, you will now know all about them.