Inlays and Onlays in Aurora, CO

When you have tooth decay that you’ve been ignoring, it isn’t uncommon for a tooth or two to break while eating. Fortunately, your dentist at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry can save teeth that break by using inlays or onlays on them.

What is an Inlay or Onlay?

An inlay or onlay is known as an indirect filling because a dental laboratory manufactures them so that your dentist in Aurora, CO can apply them to the teeth. An inlay goes between the cusps of a tooth, on the surface of the chewing area. An onlay fits over the cusps and replaces part of the tooth.

Most of these tooth restoration pieces go on the back teeth, which are the premolars or molars since they are larger restorations. Some of the materials that they may consist of are:

• Gold
• Cast Metal
• Porcelain
• Composite Resin

Cast metal involves using a cast or mold to pour liquid metal into to form the inlay or onlay. Many people like to select porcelain or composite pieces because they blend in with the color of their teeth. Your dentist will use a shade chart to pick the shade closest to your teeth and order it from the lab.

Ordering Inlays and Onlays

After removing the decay from your tooth or teeth, your dentist at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry will take images and impressions of your teeth from which to order the inlays or onlays. A temporary filling will go on the tooth, and you will be sent home to wait for the restorations.

Depending on the material, the inlays or onlays can take two to six weeks to arrive at our offices. When they arrive, your dentist near you in Aurora, CO will bond the pieces to your teeth. They will use dental cement and harden it with ultraviolet light so that it stays in place. With care, these pieces can last 20 to 30 years.

Taking Care of Inlays and Onlays

To clean your restorations, you can brush them while doing the rest of your teeth, along with flossing daily. Avoid eating sticky foods like candies or hard foods like Brazil nuts. Remember to visit your dentist at Spruce Canyon Family Dentistry in Aurora, CO to check on your restorations.