Dental Inlays and Onlays in the Belvidere/Rockford Area

Restorative & Cosmetic Care With Dental Inlays and Onlays

At Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, our Belvidere cosmetic dentists understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile. Dental inlays and onlays are popular options for repairing damaged or decayed teeth that aren’t so damaged that they need a full dental crown. Discover how these custom-made restorations can restore both the functionality and aesthetics of your teeth.

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative and cosmetic dental treatments used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are custom-made restorations that are typically crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes gold. Unlike dental crowns which cover the entire tooth, inlays are used when the damage or decay is confined to the center of the tooth, while onlays are employed when the damage extends to one or more cusps of the tooth.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays offer numerous benefits to patients in need of dental restoration. Some of those benefits include the following: 

• Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure: Unlike dental crowns, which require more extensive tooth preparation, inlays and onlays allow for the preservation of a greater amount of healthy tooth structure. The custom fabrication of inlays and onlays ensures that only the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is replaced, while the rest of the tooth remains intact.
• Durability: Inlays and onlays are known for their durability and longevity. They are made from strong materials that can withstand the forces of biting and chewing, providing long-lasting results. With proper care and maintenance, inlays and onlays can last for many years, making them a reliable solution for tooth restoration.
• Natural Appearance: Inlays and onlays are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend and a natural-looking result. This aesthetic advantage allows you to restore the functionality of your teeth without compromising the beauty of your smile.
• Protection and Reinforcement: In addition to restoring the tooth’s structure, inlays and onlays also provide added strength and support to the affected tooth. They can help protect the remaining tooth structure from further damage and prevent the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
• Minimal Discomfort: The placement of inlays and onlays involves minimal discomfort for patients. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area during the procedure, ensuring a comfortable experience. After the treatment, any minor sensitivity or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
• Easy Maintenance: Caring for inlays and onlays is similar to maintaining natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits are essential for their longevity. With proper oral hygiene habits, your inlays and onlays can provide you with a healthy and functional smile for years to come.

By choosing inlays and onlays as a restorative and cosmetic solution, you can enjoy the benefits of a durable, natural-looking restoration that preserves your tooth structure and enhances your overall oral health.

The Dental Inlays and Onlays Process

Consultation and Examination

The first step towards receiving dental inlays or onlays is a comprehensive consultation with our skilled dental team at Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry. During this appointment, your Belvidere, IL dentists will examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and determine if inlays or onlays are the most suitable treatment for your specific needs. If you’re feeling nervous, or due for a long procedure, we can offer sedation dentistry options, which can be applied before the procedure to keep you calm and relaxed. 

Preparation

Once you have decided to proceed with inlays or onlays, the next step is tooth preparation. This involves removing any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth to create a clean and stable foundation for the restoration. Our experienced dentists will ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process by using local anesthesia.

Impressions and Temporary Restoration

After tooth preparation, we will take impressions of your teeth to create custom-made inlays or onlays. These impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will fabricate your restorations with precision and care. While your permanent inlays or onlays are being crafted, we will place temporary restorations to protect your teeth.

Final Placement

Once your custom-made inlays or onlays are ready, you will return to our dental office for the final placement. Our dentists will remove the temporary restorations and ensure a proper fit of the permanent inlays or onlays. With meticulous attention to detail, we will bond the restorations to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive, ensuring a secure and long-lasting result.

Aftercare: Maintaining Your Dental Inlays and Onlays

Proper aftercare is essential to maximize the lifespan and functionality of your inlays and onlays. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay around your restorations.
• Visit Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry Regularly: Attend your scheduled dental check-ups to allow our dentists to monitor the health and stability of your dental inlays and onlays. Professional cleanings will also help maintain their luster and prevent any complications.
• Avoid Excessive Force and Habits: Refrain from biting or chewing on hard objects such as ice or pens, as this can potentially damage your dental restorations. Additionally, if you have habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism), discuss it with our dentists, who can recommend appropriate measures to protect your restorations.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients will contribute to the overall health of your teeth and gums, supporting the longevity of your inlays and onlays.

Frequently Asked Questions