Porcelain Onlays: Long-Term Solution to Damaged Teeth
An onlay is a restoration that can be used to fill a cavity. It is an excellent alternative to invasive dental crowns when it is no longer possible to fit a standard filling because of extensive tooth decay or damage. These are made up of gold, composite material, or tooth-colored porcelain.
Denver family dentist provides state-of-the-art porcelain onlays to help restore extensive tooth damage due to decay or trauma to give you a beautiful long lasting smile while preserving the tooth function.
Porcelain onlays as alternatives to crowns
A porcelain onlay is a ceramic replacement for a badly damaged tooth that can replace most of the biting surface of the tooth including the masticatory cusps.
Porcelain onlays can restore the appearance and function of the teeth. They provide better support than regular fillings or composite resins.
These tooth-colored custom fillings are a more conservative treatment option than crowns since they allow the preservation of most of your remaining healthy tooth structure.
Considerations for porcelain onlays
Reasons for long lasting onlay restorations include the following:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic rejuvenation
- Fractured or worn out fillings
- Large fillings
Porcelain onlays are fabricated in the dental laboratory
- In order to place a porcelain onlay, your tooth must be first prepared. This involves the removal of any old fillings, tooth decay, and a considerable amount of tooth structure for placement of onlays.
- Your dentist will then take several impressions of your mouth and send them to the dental laboratory to fabricate a precise-fitting onlay in a color that matches your existing teeth. You will be provided a temporary filling to protect the tooth.
- About 2 to 3 weeks later, the temporary onlay will be removed, and you will be provided with a permanent porcelain onlay.
- Your dentist will make the necessary adjustments to ensure its fit and aesthetics.
- High points will be checked to ensure your bite is comfortable.
- Finally, the permanent onlay will be bonded using appropriate dental cement.
Bottom line
Porcelain onlays are a suitable substitute for dental crowns since they preserve most of your natural tooth structure. These are convenient restorations that are cost-effective, and long lasting.
However, it is essential to follow good oral hygiene practices, proper diet, and regular dental visits to prolong the life of your new onlay. Though they can last for many years, normal wear and tear may require maintenance or replacement over time.
