Your smile is a window to your personality, and the foundation of a captivating smile lies in strong and beautiful teeth. However, life has a way of hitting us with dental challenges, making it difficult to keep that picture-perfect smile.
Fortunately, dentistry has advanced to provide treatments that not only improve the appearance of your teeth while restoring their strength and health. Inlays and onlays, which are custom-made restorations that are sometimes referred to as the unsung heroes of restorative dentistry, can do wonders for your dental health and appearance.
Are you eager to learn more about getting inlays & onlays in NW Calgary? If so, read on, and then reach out to our dentist near you.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
The purpose of inlays and onlays is to restore teeth that have moderate damage or decay that is usually too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to call for a full dental crown. These restorations are made to appear just like your natural teeth by using materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
Inlays
Damage to the inside of a tooth’s cusps, which are the elevated points on the chewing surface, can be fixed using inlays. They are the best option when normal filling fails to provide sufficient support or durability.
Onlays
When the decay or damage goes over the cusps and may potentially affect the tooth’s biting surface, onlays, commonly referred to as partial crowns, are employed. In contrast to inlays, onlays give more support and cover more of the surface of the tooth.
The Customization Process
The ability to customize inlays and onlays near you is one of its unique qualities. Inlays and onlays, as opposed to standard fillings, are custom-made for your tooth and its specific needs. The process usually entails:
- Diagnosis: The severity of the damage or decay will be assessed in detail by your dentist.
- Impressions: Impressions or digital scans of your tooth will be taken to create a precise model.
- Design: A unique inlay or onlay will be created using the model to perfectly fit your tooth.
- Fabrication: The restoration is made in a dental lab using the material of choice, making sure it matches the size, shape, and color of your natural tooth.
- Placement: Your dentist will glue the inlay or onlay to your tooth after it is complete, ensuring that it fits snugly.
Advantages of Inlays and Onlays
Natural appearance: The main objective of inlays and onlays is to create a natural-looking result that blends smoothly with your natural teeth.
Strength and durability: These specialized restorations are very long-lasting and help your tooth regain its strength and integrity.
Conservative approach: Inlays and onlays are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they remove less of your natural tooth structure.
Longevity: Inlays and onlays are a long-term solution for tooth decay or injury and can persist for many years with careful maintenance.
Stain resistance: Porcelain and other similar materials are extremely stain-resistant, guaranteeing the beauty of your smile.
Aftercare and Maintenance
You recently had inlays or onlays inserted into your teeth, and you are enjoying the rewards of their durability and appearance. But what comes next? How can you maintain your smile remaining beautiful and feeling healthy for years to come with these custom-made restorations?
Here are some essential aftercare and maintenance tips to help you maintain your inlays and onlays effectively.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Your inlays and onlays will last longer if you practice proper oral hygiene. This is how you can do it:
- Brush regularly
- Floss daily
- Rinse with mouthwash
Avoid Hard Foods and Habits
While inlays and onlays are strong, they are not indestructible. To ensure their longevity:
- Avoid chewing ice
- Limit hard foods
- Beware of teeth-grinding
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental visits are essential for monitoring the condition of your inlays and onlays. During these examinations, your dentist near you will:
- Check that your restorations are in good condition and functioning properly.
- Clean and polish your restorations professionally to keep their luster and prevent staining.
Watch for Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for any changes or discomfort around the area of your inlays and onlays. If you experience:
- Sensitivity
- Pain or discomfort
- Chips or damage
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Your dental health is benefited by eating a balanced diet, in addition to your overall wellness. Healthy teeth and gums are promoted by nutrient-rich diets while avoiding sugary or acidic foods and drinks can help prevent decay and discoloration.
Inlays and onlays are great investments in your smile’s appearance and dental health. You can make sure that your custom-made restorations continue to improve the strength and appearance of your teeth for years to come by adhering to these aftercare and maintenance recommendations. Keep in mind that maintaining your appealing smile just requires a little amount of maintenance!
Get Exceptional Dental Care at Royal Vista Dental
At our community dental clinic, we’re committed to assisting you in achieving the smile of your dreams. Beyond routine check-ups, our team of skilled dentist in NW Calgary is dedicated to providing top-notch dental care Whether you’re seeking routine dental services, restorative treatment, or aesthetic improvements, we tailor solutions to your specific needs. Your ideal smile is achievable, and we’re here to help you get it.
Visit us today and discover the difference in quality dental care. We hope to see you soon!