While cosmetic dentistry does aim to improve appearance, it also focuses on the function of the teeth. Cosmetic dentists often perform certain procedures that help enhance the teeth, while also ensuring that the procedure will benefit the tooth's health and functionality.
Inlays and onlays are two common types of fillings that work to improve appearance and function. Cosmetic dentists use these fillings to help restore a patient's tooth, while also ensuring that the tooth looks clean and healthy.
Both inlays and onlays are considered indirect fillings. This means that they are created outside of the mouth, as opposed to a traditional dental filling that is put directly into the tooth during the procedure. Typically, a dental lab will fabricate inlays and onlays in a dental lab. Then, the cosmetic dentist will bond it to the tooth that is in bad shape.
Cosmetic dentists often recommend inlays and onlays for patients that have moderate damage. Damages include minor staining, small chips or cavities. Additionally, it is good to know that inlays and onlays are used primarily for molars. Molars often require a traditional filling or a dental crown when they are in bad shape. Cosmetic dentistry tends to use inlays and onlays because they are a nice in-between of the two.
When an inlay or onlay is used in cosmetic dentistry, it is likely that there will be two to three appointments required. The first appointment allows the dentist to remove any decayed areas within the cusps or directly on the cusps. Then, impressions can be made so that the dental lab can custom make the indirect filling. The patient will return to their cosmetic dentist for placement of the inlay or onlay. After a few weeks of recovery, the cosmetic dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure that the tooth is adapting well to the filling.
Cosmetic dentists use inlays to help patients achieve better form and function of their back teeth. Inlays are used in cosmetic dentistry for treating problems within the small cusps of a molar. When there is a stain or infected area in between the cusps of a molar, the cosmetic dentist will recommend an inlay filling.
Onlays are the other type of indirect filling that cosmetic dentists tend to recommend. They are used when the molar requires treatment on one or more of the cusps. Damage tends to occur on the cusps, more often than not. This because the cusps are raised and they are responsible for chewing and grinding foods. Additionally, those that grind their teeth at night, will experience extra wear and tear on the cups since the top arch meets up with the bottom arch through the cusps.
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