When a tooth has been damaged by decay, chips, or cracks, our dentists may recommend either an inlay or onlay to repair the issue. This procedure is similar to a filling, but it provides additional aesthetic and functional benefits. An inlay or onlay will be directly customized to your tooth to ensure the most accurate restoration for your smile. Dr. Shelly Galvin will use an inlay to restore a small section of your biting surface in the center of your tooth. Conversely, our dentists will use an onlay to restore a larger section of the tooth that incorporates at least one of the cusps or points of the tooth.

Compared to a crown, inlays and onlays preserve much more of the healthy tooth structure. This is a great solution if you have moderate amounts of tooth decay because you will not have to sacrifice your natural tooth. Additionally, because Westwood Dental uses porcelain rather than amalgam or a composite resin for this procedure, your restoration will not change size or shape over time; if properly cared for, an inlay or onlay will last for years. One of the biggest advantages, however, is that the onlay or inlay in Kansas City, Kansas, can be color-matched to your smile so that no one will be able to tell the difference between the porcelain and your natural tooth.

If you have any questions about inlays or onlays, call or visit Westwood Dental today. We would love to hear from you.