Tooth Inlays and Onlays In Creston, IA

Inlays and Onlays: Strengthening Your Smile

Looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing way to repair a damaged tooth? At Buck Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Buck, and Dr. Paige Jones are skilled in placing dental inlays and onlays. These custom-made restorations offer a superior alternative to traditional fillings for teeth with moderate to significant damage.

With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for decades, giving you back a strong, beautiful smile you can confidently show off. To learn more from the top dentists in Creston, IA, call our office at 641-782-4747.

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are custom-crafted restorations designed to repair and strengthen teeth with moderate to significant damage. Unlike traditional tooth fillings, ideal for extensive tooth decay, a dental onlay or inlay offers a more durable and aesthetically pleasing solution to minor tooth decay to the biting surface.

Tooth inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental lab to perfectly fit your unique tooth structure. Dr. Buck will take an impression of the prepared tooth and send it to the lab for fabrication. This ensures a precise fit and optimal functionality.

Benefits of Dental Onlays and Inlays

Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings:

• Strength and Durability: Unlike fillings, which can weaken the tooth structure, inlays and onlays strengthen the tooth. This translates to a longer lifespan, typically 10 to 30 years with proper care.
• Improved Aesthetics: Modern materials used for inlays and onlays mimic the natural appearance of teeth. They can be colored to perfectly match your surrounding teeth for a seamless and beautiful restoration.
• Better Protection: Inlays and onlays provide a more secure seal over the damaged area, reducing the risk of further decay or fractures.
• Preserves Natural Tooth Structure: Compared to dental crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure, allowing you to retain more of your natural tooth.

What Can Dental Inlays and Onlays Fix?

Inlays and onlays are versatile restorations that can address a variety of dental concerns:

• Large Cavities: When a cavity is too extensive for a traditional filling, inlays or onlays provide a stronger and more reliable solution.
• Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Inlays and onlays can effectively repair minor cracks or fractures in teeth, restoring functionality and preventing further damage.
• Worn Teeth: Excessive wear and tear on teeth can be addressed with inlays or onlays, restoring the chewing surface and improving bite function.
• Cosmetic Improvements: Inlays and onlays can be used to improve the appearance of teeth with discoloration or minor aesthetic flaws.

Caring for Dental Inlays and Onlays

With proper care, your dental inlays and onlays can last for many years. Here are some tips for maintaining them:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice daily and flossing daily are essential to remove plaque and prevent decay around the inlay or onlay.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to cavities.
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Visit Dr. Buck for routine cleanings and checkups to ensure the health of your teeth and restorations.
• Avoid Using Your Teeth for Hard Objects: Don’t chew on hard candy, ice, or other hard objects, as this can damage your inlays or onlays.