Strengthen Damaged Teeth with Precise Restorations
At V Dental Health & Aesthetics, we believe a healthy smile is always in style. If you’ve been chewing over the idea of restoring your pearly whites to their former glory, our inlays, onlays, and overlays might be the restorative dentistry service your teeth are looking for.
Dr. Kyle Viloria, our restorative dentist in North Charlotte, tailors these treatments to repair various types of tooth damage, ranging from minor cavities to extensive decay.
Visit & VibeInlays
When you have a more extensive cavity that a general dental filling can’t fix, inlays are your next best choice. In contrast to fillings, which our dentist shapes and sets directly in your mouth, inlays are made in a dental lab. Once ready, they are placed and securely attached to the affected part of your tooth. Inlays usually cover the inside parts of the tooth or the spaces between the raised edges, fitting perfectly without covering the cusp. This shape makes sure no food gets stuck underneath, causing more damage.
Onlays
Onlays are a middle ground between inlays and dental crowns. Similar to inlays, onlays are made from durable materials like porcelain, which matches the natural color of the tooth, providing a seamless blend with the rest of your smile. However, onlays extend beyond the interior grooves. They can cover one or more cusps of the tooth, making them a good choice when the damage is too much for an inlay, but doesn’t need a full crown.
Overlays
Overlays take a comprehensive approach to dental restoration. These treatments are an ideal choice for teeth that are severely damaged or decayed, requiring more coverage than inlays or onlays can provide.
Furthermore, overlays are designed to cover the top surface of a tooth entirely, giving strong protection against further damage and restoring its original shape and use. While they are often compared to partial dental crowns, overlays keep much more of the natural tooth structure intact.
Our Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays Process
Restoring a damaged tooth begins with a detailed evaluation to determine the right treatment. The dentist assesses the tooth, plans the restoration, and carefully completes each step to restore strength, function, and a natural-looking appearance.
Take a Bite of Confidence in Charlotte, NC
Whether an inlay, onlay, or overlay is the right solution for you depends on the amount of healthy substance remaining in your tooth after our skilled restorative dentist in Charlotte, NC, removes the damaged surface. Consulting with Dr. Viloria will give you the insight you need to make an informed decision. When dental dilemmas arise, you need a dependable dental professional to help return your smile to normal.
At V Dental Health & Aesthetics, our expertise in restorative dentistry and meticulous approach to tooth repair will transform your dental challenges into a story of confidence and beauty. Reach out to our Charlotte dental office to schedule an appointment for your inlays, onlays, or overlays today.
V Stands for Versed
Whether you’ve irreversibly damaged your tooth or lost parts of your smile, our Charlotte restorative dentist is versed in all aspects of restorative dentistry. At V Dental Health & Aesthetics, patients can count on Dr. Viloria for:
- Trusted by Families for Expert, Personalized Dental Care
- Gentle, Stress-Free Visits That Put You Instantly at Ease
- Calming Nerves with Proven Strategies. Your Comfort Is Our Promise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inlays, Onlays, & Overlays
Inlays, onlays, and overlays are custom dental restorations used to repair damaged or weakened teeth. They can restore tooth structure affected by decay or damage while preserving more of the healthy tooth than may be removed for a traditional dental crown.
An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth and generally does not cover the cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, while an overlay provides more extensive coverage when a larger portion of the tooth needs restoration.
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when a tooth has more damage than a traditional filling can reliably restore, but enough healthy tooth structure remains to avoid a full crown. The dentist can evaluate the tooth and recommend an appropriate restoration.
The appropriate restoration depends on the size and location of the damaged area, the condition of the remaining tooth structure, and your overall oral health. Inlays and onlays can provide a durable, custom-fitted option for certain types of tooth damage.
The lifespan of these restorations varies based on the material used, oral hygiene, bite forces, and everyday habits. Maintaining good oral care and attending regular dental visits can help protect the restoration and the surrounding tooth.
The tooth is typically numbed during the procedure to help keep treatment comfortable. Some sensitivity may occur afterward as the tooth adjusts, but the dental team can provide guidance for managing temporary sensitivity and caring for the restored tooth.
Yes. Custom inlays, onlays, and overlays can be designed to blend with the surrounding teeth. Their shape and color can be carefully selected to restore the tooth while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
Care for the restored tooth much like natural teeth by brushing twice daily, cleaning between your teeth, and maintaining regular dental visits. Avoiding habits that place excessive force on teeth can also help protect the restoration.
