Unlike dental fillings or Cosmetic Bonding that molds into place like putty, ceramic inlays and onlays are solid puzzle pieces and must be specially designed and crafted to fit into the prepared tooth. These dental inlays and onlays are then bonded to your remaining healthy enamel. Inlays are precision-designed porcelain restorations that cover the central groove of the tooth, and often one or two sides, but not the cusps. Onlays are larger and restore one or more cusps, including the biting surfaces. Dr. Michael Rice often uses inlays and onlays to replace old, worn, or cracked metal fillings that have become non-functional and clinically useless over the years. Santa Rosa cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Rice frequently places inlays and onlays when damaged enamel requires a stronger solution than a small dental filling, but is not severe enough to warrant a full Dental Crown. Our Santa Rosa cosmetic dentist (and his patients) appreciate that inlays and onlays allow the preservation of much more of your natural enamel than placing a full dental crown.
First, Santa Rosa cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Rice will remove the decay in the enamel and any old metal fillings. They will then take an impression of the tooth, which will be used to design your customized porcelain inlay or onlay. The ceramic used at Santa Rosa Dental for inlays and onlays is carefully color matched to your unique tooth enamel, enabling it to blend in naturally so you do not have to worry about your dental work being noticed by others. When the inlay or online is complete, it will be quickly bonded in place, and you can immediately eat, drink, and smile confidently.
Santa Rosa cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Rice will happily answer all your restorative dentistry questions, whether you need a filling, inlay or onlay, Dental Crown, or any other solution. Our Santa Rosa cosmetic dentist has spent a lifetime learning how to address restorative and cosmetic dentistry issues, and we are excited about sharing our knowledge and giving you something to smile about.
