Port Orange Porcelain Onlays/Overlays
An onlay (overlay) restoration is a custom filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain. Porcelain onlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth. An dental onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. Porcelain onlays are made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.
What Are Porcelain Onlays Used For?
Porcelain onlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Onlays are an ideal alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of porcelain onlays. Onlays or overlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.
How Porcelain Overlays or Onlays Work?
Porcelain overlays and onlays are made from high-strength porcelain that bonds directly to your teeth. An impression is taken of your mouth so that the dentist can create an exact copy of your natural teeth, which will then be used to create your custom-fit onlay or overlay. Because they’re made out of porcelain, they won’t harm your enamel like metal crowns do when you bite down on them.
How Long Do Porcelain Onlays Last?
As with most dental restorations, porcelain onlays are not always permanent and might someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile.
Reasons For Porcelain Onlay Restorations:
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Broken or fractured teeth.
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Cosmetic enhancement.
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Decayed teeth.
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Fractured fillings.
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Large fillings.
Porcelain Onlays Process
An onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom porcelain onlay and a temporary restoration.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared, shaping the surface to properly fit an onlay restoration. A temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your porcelain onlay is made by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment, your new porcelain onlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments might be necessary to ensure a proper fit and that your bite is comfortable.
Porcelain Onlays Benefits
The main advantage of this type of restorative treatment is that it provides an excellent long-term solution for teeth that have been extensively damaged by decay or trauma. Porcelain onlays are strong and durable restorations that will last for many years without requiring any further treatment or maintenance.
The disadvantages include the fact that they require some degree of skill on behalf of the dentist, which means they can take longer to complete than some other types of restorative treatment such as crowns, bridges or veneers. They also tend to be more expensive than other options such as fillings or bonding treatments because they require more time and materials.
Porcelain Onlay Care
You will receive care instruction at the conclusion of your treatment. Good oral hygiene practices, a proper diet, and regular Port Orange dentistry visits will aid in the life of your new onlay.