LGBTQ Friendly!Inlays & Onlays in Washington, DC
When a tooth has more damage than a traditional filling can repair but does not require a full dental crown, an inlay or onlay may be the ideal solution. These custom-made restorations strengthen weakened teeth while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. At Markowiz Dental , Dr. Eric Markowitz provides high-quality porcelain inlays and onlays that restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that repair teeth affected by decay, fractures, or worn fillings. They are designed specifically for your tooth and are fabricated from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
- Inlays fit within the grooves of a tooth, similar to a filling, without covering the cusps.
- Onlays extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps, making them an excellent option when additional support is needed.
While gold restorations have been used successfully for decades, tooth-colored porcelain has become one of the most popular choices because it closely matches natural enamel while providing exceptional durability. Once bonded into place, porcelain inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Compared to traditional fillings, inlays and onlays offer several important advantages:
- Preserve more healthy tooth structure than a dental crown
- Strengthen weakened teeth
- Provide a precise, custom fit
- Resist staining and wear
- Blend naturally with your smile when made from porcelain
- Can last for many years with proper care
These restorations are an excellent choice for patients looking for a conservative, long-lasting solution to restore damaged teeth.
What to Expect During Treatment
Receiving an inlay or onlay typically requires two appointments.
First Appointment
Dr. Markowitz will carefully remove any decay or damaged portions of the tooth before preparing it for the restoration. Digital or traditional impressions are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory where your custom inlay or onlay is fabricated. A temporary restoration is placed to protect your tooth until your next visit.
Second Appointment
Once your custom restoration is ready, the temporary restoration is removed and Dr. Markowitz checks the fit, bite, and appearance. After any necessary adjustments, the inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive and polished for a smooth, natural finish.
The result is a comfortable, durable restoration that restores strength while maintaining the natural appearance of your smile.
Why Choose an Inlay or Onlay Instead of a Filling?
Traditional fillings work well for small areas of decay, but larger fillings can weaken the remaining tooth over time. Research has shown that large fillings may reduce the overall strength of a tooth, while bonded porcelain inlays and onlays can help reinforce and stabilize the remaining tooth structure.
In many situations where a tooth is too damaged for a filling but healthy enough to avoid a full dental crown, an onlay offers a conservative alternative that protects the tooth while preserving more of its natural structure.
Caring for an inlay or onlay is similar to caring for your natural teeth. To maximize the lifespan of your restoration, we recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day
- Avoiding chewing ice or other extremely hard objects
- Visiting DC Smile Center for regular cleanings and exams
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth
With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays can provide many years of dependable function and beautiful aesthetics.
