How Do Inlays And Onlays Differ From Crowns?

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We have a number of restorations to repair teeth, whether they’ve developed decay or infections, or whether they have become cracked or chipped. In addition to dental crowns, we also offer inlays and onlays. How do these restorations differ from one another?

The Similarities

There are a few common aspects of these very different restorations. First, all three will be created based on detailed impressions we take of your smile. Before taking impressions, we may need to prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of tooth structure. The restorations themselves will be created using porcelain, a very strong material that is also metal-free and can mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel. We place them using a powerful bonding agent.

Dental Crowns

A crown fits over the entirety of your tooth, completely covering the visible portion. We can use them to address decay, infection, fractures, or breakage. They can also anchor dental bridges in place or help restore a single tooth dental implant. We can offer an array of cosmetic and restorative solutions with this restorative option.

Inlays and Onlays

A crown requires removing a greater portion of your tooth structure. However, for issues that require more precision, we have a restoration that can target specific areas of a tooth without requiring a full crown. An inlay fits in between the cusps of the tooth of your tooth. A onlay fits over the cusps of your teeth. We can preserve more natural tooth structure ad still target cases of decay that may be too severe for a simple dental filling. If you have any questions or concerns about our crowns or inlays and onlays, then contact our team today.

Gateway Dental Group Can Restore Your Smile

At Gateway Dental Group, we can help you regain a healthy and functional smile with custom-made restorations. Our practice is proud to provide comprehensive cosmetic, restorative, and preventive care, so we can help you enjoy your best, healthiest smile. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Burds and his team at Gateway Dental Group, call our office today at (515) 244-9565. Located in Des Moines, IA, we proudly welcome patients from the Des Moines area, and surrounding communities.