An experienced cosmetic dentist spends much of their time repairing the damage that results from tooth decay. Hundreds of patients and many years of practice afford cosmetic dentists intimate knowledge of different tooth restoration techniques, giving them the instinct and ability to choose the ideal dental restoration for every possible scenario.
Two such restorations are inlays and overlays. You might need one of them if you have extensive tooth decay that affects a sizable portion of your tooth. Read on to find out how cosmetic dentists use inlays and overlays to restore the health and aesthetics of damaged teeth.
Many people seek out cosmetic dentists because they want to correct dental problems and the imperfections they cause. Some patients have crowded, crooked or missing teeth. Many others have discoloration and breakage that happen as a result of tooth decay. For such patients, dental restorations like fillings, crowns, inlays, onlays and overlays become viable treatment options.
An inlay is an indirect filling that restores a tooth with a large cavity. Dentists fabricate or request inlays that fit perfectly into a hole caused by moderate tooth decay. An experienced cosmetic dentist will only use an inlay to fill a hole that is right in the middle of a molar.
The only way an inlay works is if there is dental tissue all around it. This means that an inlay will only cover the biting surface in the middle of the tooth, but not the cusps or edges of the tooth. Here is how cosmetic dentists install inlays:
Dental inlays only come into play if a molar has a fairly small cavity; one that does not affect the surfaces that face the tongue, the cheeks or adjacent teeth. A dentist will instead opt for an overlay if the damage to the tooth is more extensive.
Overlays correct advanced decay in the inner molar and a portion of the biting surface. An overlay not only fills a cavity, but it also covers a significant portion of the biting surface. Overlays cover one or two of the cusps that frame the edges of a molar.
Dentists install overlays with the same procedure they use to install inlays. The only difference between the two types of restorations is the extent of coverage to the surface area of the tooth.
Contact our offices to set up an appointment with our experienced cosmetic dentist. After a thorough exam, the dentist will recommend a treatment plan that works for you.
Request an appointment here: https://cosmeticdentistsilverspring.com or call Lee Dentistry at (301) 605-1123 for an appointment in our Silver Spring office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you are wondering what type of dentures are right for you, now may be a good time to consider acrylic dentures. Acrylic dentures are made from 100 percent acrylic and unlike other types of dentures, they do not have any metal substructures to offer support. The dentures are ideal for permanent and temporary denture…
Dental sedation is used by many general dentists for procedures that potentially cause discomfort. Many patients are appreciative of dental sedation, as it offers a more comfortable and less painful treatment process, and knowing that they will receive dental sedation helps many deal with dental anxiety before the procedure begins.There are many benefits to dental…
Teeth whitening helps many adults lift everyday stains while keeping appointments simple and predictable. At-home trays use dentist-recommended gel and a snug fit to gradually brighten enamel, supporting comfort and consistency. This approach fits busy routines, allows adjustments along the way, and encourages long-term shade maintenance with periodic touch-ups after professional cleanings.Teeth whitening gel contains…
An estimated 22 million Americans have sleep apnea, and well over half of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea have a moderate to severe case. A general dentist studies and understands why sleep apnea occurs and can effectively treat it with oral appliances and other treatment methods. Sleep apnea is a common condition in which the airway…