Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY

Onlays and inlays are restorative options that help prevent further tooth decay and improve the aesthetics of your smile. The expert team at DNTL, the practice of Dmitriy Kuznetsov, DDS, and Semyon Tilis, DDS, in the Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn, New York, provides onlays and inlays as part of the practice’s comprehensive menu of restorative solutions. Drs. Kuznetsov and Tilis are experienced and compassionate dentists who tailor your dental treatments to suit your individual needs. Call today to learn more or schedule an appointment online.

Onlays and Inlays Q & A

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays

A dental inlay is a pre-molded, tooth-colored filling that fits into the grooves of a tooth. An inlay is a restorative method that repairs a tooth after injury or tooth decay.

Inlays are typically made of porcelain or composite resin that closely matches your tooth color, so it’s hardly noticeable once it becomes part of your mouth. Dental inlays help restore the chewing surface of your teeth with durable and almost invisible materials.

Onlays

Dental onlays repair a tooth with more extensive damage than an inlay could repair. Typically, onlays fill a deeper area of your tooth after a cavity, whereas the inlay repairs only the tooth’s surface.

Both inlays and onlays are aesthetically pleasing alternatives to other filling materials like silver or gold.

What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are made from high-quality, extremely durable materials, and can last for many years with proper care and good oral hygiene. They blend in with your natural teeth, so they’re practically invisible. They may also help eliminate tooth sensitivity and prevent you from losing a damaged tooth.

Inlays and onlays are often an ideal alternative to full-coverage crowns if you only have minimal to moderate tooth decay and want to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. They’re easy to keep clean with regular brushing and flossing, and are less likely to stain than resin fillings. They’re also a great option to fill a cavity in a tight space, such as between two teeth.

Your dentist at DNTL may recommend inlays or onlays for their superior fit and sealing capabilities that keep bacteria out of the filled area of your tooth.

When should I choose an inlay or onlay?

Your dentist at DNTL can help you determine if an inlay or onlay is best for your particular tooth and aesthetic needs. They may be a good choice if you have good oral hygiene but sustain damage to a single tooth. Additionally, if the damage to a tooth is in a highly visible area, you may opt for an inlay or onlay for aesthetic purposes.

Inlays and onlays are just two of the restorative options the team at DNTL offers patients who want to improve their smile in both form and function. Call to schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options, or book online.

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