While dental crowns are often used to restore a patient's functionality and outward visual appearance, inlays and onlays are also frequently employed as a way to improve dental functionality and appearance. Inlays and onlays are essentially indirect fillings that are cemented or bonded to the surface of the patient's natural tooth. Most importantly, this type of technique is different from standard fillings in that it does not weaken the tooth structure but actually causes it to become stronger. Many estimates suggest that the tooth can actually withstand in some cases up to 75% greater chewing force once a procedure is completed.

A dental inlay as opposed to an onlay is a type of repair to the chewing surface of the tooth. In most cases tooth colored porcelain or some type of similar composite resin is used in this regard. Inlays can even be made from many other types of metals. Most importantly, inlays are less costly to apply than a dental crown. Conversely, dental onlays are sometimes used as a way to replace a traditional dental filling. It is a type of indirect filling that can be used to repair tooth decay as well as other structural problems found in a patient's tooth. Onlays are created in a dental lab and then eventually bonded to a tooth that has been injured, diseased or damaged. Contact your Pewaukee dentist, Dr. Hamedi at Healthy Smile Dental Care today to learn more.