Inlays and Onlays
Inlays & Onlays in Northwest Houston
At Cory Bailey, DDS, we offer inlays and onlays as one of our many cosmetic dental services for our patients throughout Northwest Houston.
What are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and Onlays are sometimes referred to as "Partial Crowns". They are dental restorations which are placed on your teeth if you have a cavity or lost tooth structure that is too large to be restored by a simple filling. With an inlay or onlay your tooth is able to become strengthened due to its restored shape and protection from further damage.
How are Inlays and Onlays Applied?
The process of making the inlay itself is very similar to a crown. After your tooth is prepared with the removal of the decayed area of the tooth, a mold of the tooth is then created. Our Cypress dental practice allows for this process to take no more than a single or two visits to our office. Once this mold is complete, the inlay or onlay is cemented or bonded to the tooth.
What are Onlays and Inlays made of?
Both Inlays and Onlays can be made using a variety of materials. These include gold, porcelain, and composite resins. Porcelain and composite options provide cosmetic alternatives to fillings as they look like your natural teeth. Additionally, these are very strong compared to regular white fillings! Gold inlays and onlays are also suitable alternatives, but their appearance makes them less popular.
Am I Suitable for an Inlay or Onlay?
Following your initial visit with Dr. Bailey, you discuss if an inlay or onlay is right for you. Generally, both inlays and onlays can replace most back teeth fillings and are sometimes cosmetically preferred over conventional fillings. Additionally, they are generally more conservative than dental crowns as they utilize the existing tooth as a base.
Finally, as far as cost is concerned, because the process of making an inlay or onlay is similar to a crown, its cost is also comparable. But when considering the longevity of inlays and onlays, they can end up costing less than traditional fillings.
Ready to Learn More?
If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions about inlays and onlays please be sure to contact Dr. Cory Bailey at his Northwest Houston dental practice in Cypress today!
