Inlays & Onlays in Longview, WA

Restore Your Teeth with Durable and Aesthetic Inlays and Onlays

When it comes to repairing damaged or decayed teeth, traditional fillings may not always provide the best solution, especially for larger cavities or more significant damage. In such cases, inlays and onlays offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative. At Advanced Dental Services in Longview, WA, Dr. Chad L. Kleven, DDS, and our expert team provide custom inlays and onlays to restore the function and appearance of your teeth, helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations that are used to repair teeth with moderate to severe decay or damage, particularly in the chewing surfaces of the molars and premolars. They are made from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold and are custom-designed to fit the specific contours of your tooth.

• Inlays: Inlays are used to fill cavities or repair damage within the cusps (the raised edges) of a tooth. They are similar to fillings but are fabricated outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth.
• Onlays: Onlays, also known as partial crowns, cover one or more cusps and can extend over the chewing surface of the tooth. They are used when the damage is more extensive but does not require a full crown.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

• Strength and Durability: Inlays and onlays are made from strong materials that can withstand the forces of chewing, providing long-lasting protection for your teeth.
• Natural Appearance: These restorations are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
• Preservation of Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth structure compared to full crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth.
• Improved Fit: Because they are custom-made in a dental lab, inlays and onlays fit more precisely than traditional fillings, reducing the risk of future decay and damage.
• Easy Maintenance: Once placed, inlays and onlays are easy to care for and maintain, requiring only regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.

Who Can Benefit from Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are an excellent option for patients with:

• Large Cavities: When a cavity is too large for a traditional filling but not severe enough to require a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the ideal solution.
• Damaged Teeth: Teeth that are cracked or fractured, especially in the chewing surfaces, can be effectively restored with inlays or onlays.
• Old or Failing Fillings: If you have old fillings that are worn out or have started to fail, replacing them with inlays or onlays can provide a more durable and aesthetic result.

The Inlay and Onlay Process at Advanced Dental Services

At Advanced Dental Services, we take a precise and patient-focused approach to placing inlays and onlays, ensuring that your restoration is both functional and beautiful.

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation:

• Detailed Examination: Dr. Kleven will thoroughly examine your teeth, possibly using digital X-rays, to determine the extent of the damage or decay and to decide whether an inlay or onlay is the best option.
• Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the examination, we will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

2. Tooth Preparation and Impressions

Once the treatment plan is finalized:

• Tooth Preparation: The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is carefully removed, and the tooth is shaped to accommodate the inlay or onlay.
• Impressions: Precise impressions of your tooth are taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted to match your tooth’s exact specifications.

3. Placement of the Inlay or Onlay

After your custom restoration is ready:

• Bonding: The inlay or onlay is carefully placed onto your tooth and bonded with a strong dental adhesive. Dr. Kleven will ensure that the restoration fits perfectly and that your bite is comfortable.
• Final Adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made, and the restoration is polished to match the natural shine of your teeth.

Why Choose Advanced Dental Services for Inlays and Onlays?

At Advanced Dental Services, we are committed to providing high-quality restorative care that enhances both the health and appearance of your smile. Dr. Kleven’s expertise in restorative dentistry, combined with our use of advanced technology and materials, ensures that your inlays and onlays will be precisely crafted and expertly placed.

Key Advantages of Choosing Us:

• Customized Care: We tailor each treatment plan to meet your unique dental needs, ensuring optimal results.
• Advanced Materials: We use the highest quality materials for our inlays and onlays, ensuring durability and a natural appearance.
• Patient Comfort: Our team is dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, from the initial consultation to the final placement.

Explore our other restorative dentistry options, including tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns and bridges, to learn more about how we can help restore your smile.