When decay is removed or damaged teeth are repaired, large fillings may be used to replace lost tooth material. Fillings, especially those made from amalgam or metal, can change the color or appearance of your teeth and smile and may put too much stress on the damaged tooth. Two options to protect damaged teeth and restore a white smile are dental inlays and onlays made of porcelain. At Restore Dental, we offer porcelain inlays and onlays for tooth repairs and cosmetic dentistry at our clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO.

What is a Dental Inlay?

When a tooth has a large cavity or damage that results in lost tooth material, a dental inlay may be used for a repair. Dental inlays can be used in lieu of a filling or to replace large fillings. Instead of filling the cavity or missing tooth material with metal or resin, a piece of tooth-colored porcelain is designed in a dental lab to fit and fill the crevice. The dental inlay is bonded to the tooth, resulting in a repaired tooth that is white and looks natural.

What is a Dental Onlay?

Dental onlays are similar to inlays, but larger. When a large cavity or tooth damage covers the cusp of the tooth, a dental onlay can be designed to fill and replace lost tooth material and create a new top for the tooth. Dental onlays are also made in a dental lab from porcelain that is color-matched to your tooth color. This can protect the damaged tooth while maintaining a white, natural appearance.

Dental inlays and onlays can be useful for repairing cavities and damage to teeth that are too large for a white filling but not extensive enough to require a dental crown. If you have large fillings you want replaced or need a damaged tooth repaired, come see us at Restore Dental. We offer tooth repair treatments like dental inlays and onlays that can protect your teeth and improve their appearance. Contact our practice in Highlands Ranch to schedule an appointment.