Inlays and Onlays in Boynton Beach, FL

Rejuvenate Your Smile

Over time, teeth can become worn down. Whether it’s from age, dental trauma, or cavities, the teeth’s biting surfaces can become damaged. Thankfully, inlays and onlays can help enhance and restore your beautiful smile.

Dr. Franklin Landers can create your inlays or onlays out of a variety of materials, each with unique benefits. Read on to learn how you may benefit from this treatment.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are custom-made fillings that can be made out of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. An inlay is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can be customized to match the natural color of your teeth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Because inlays and onlays are a type of unique filling, they come with several benefits, such as:

  • Preserves natural tooth structure
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Stain-resistant
  • Doesn’t require a special cleaning routine
  • Maintain their shape over time

When Are Inlays and Onlays Necessary?

Dr. Landers may recommend inlays and onlays when more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged. Other reasons for these restorations include:

  • Broken or fractured teeth
  • Decayed teeth
  • Fractured fillings
  • Missing fillings
  • Cosmetic enhancements

While inlays and onlays can help restore damaged or decayed teeth, they may not be the right solution for everyone. Dr. Landers may instead recommend fillings or dental crownsSchedule a consultation at our Boynton Beach office to learn which treatment will be most effective for you.

How Are Inlays and Onlays Applied?

You can receive an inlay or onlay in as few as two visits to our Boynton Beach office. You’ll first undergo a consultation with Dr. Landers where he’ll determine which treatment is best for you. If approved for an inlay or onlay, he can start the procedure the same day.

During your first appointment, the damaged or decayed area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, Dr. Landers will make an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab for fabrication. He’ll then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At your second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Landers will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish. You’re then ready to leave our Boynton Beach office with an enhanced smile!

Frequently Asked Questions

Inlays and onlays typically last between 20 and 30 years with proper care. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day along with rinsing between meals. It’s also crucial to schedule biannual appointments at our Boynton Beach office for routine exams and cleanings. This will keep both your restoration and oral health in good condition.

Each treatment has its own unique benefits, so there isn’t a superior option. At your initial consultation, our Boynton Beach dentist will evaluate your teeth and determine which treatment will be most effective. Inlays and onlays are typically reserved for teeth with severe damage, while fillings are better suited for small cavities.

The cost of your treatment depends on several factors, such as how many restorations you received. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider beforehand to learn what your plan will cover. Dr. Landers will provide you with a cost estimate at your initial consultation.

Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Landers

Inlays and onlays can help restore your smile’s look and function. Best of all, they can be made from a variety of different materials. You can schedule an appointment at our Boynton Beach office by calling (561) 736-2122 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to seeing you in the office!