Dental Inlays vs. Onlays — What’s the Difference?

Modern dentistry offers a variety of options for patients with damaged teeth. Although fillings and crowns are commonly used to repair tooth damage caused by decay or injury, there are times when these treatments aren’t the best choice. For teeth that are not damaged enough for a crown but too damaged for a filling, there are dental onlays and inlays to protect the tooth.

About Inlays and Onlays 

A dental inlay is similar to a traditional filling and is usually made from porcelain, although sometimes inlays are crafted from a composite resin material or even a metal such as gold. The inlay is placed inside the tooth, within the top edges. While a traditional filling can cause further damage to a compromised tooth, an inlay will not. Today’s inlays are made to blend in with the color of your natural teeth.

An onlay is sometimes called a partial crown, because it fits over the cusp of the tooth, protecting more than one face of a tooth. Onlays are very similar to inlays; they’re made from the same material and placed in basically the same way. If you have a damaged tooth, Dr. Bauman can determine if an inlay or onlay is the right dental strategy for you.

Advantages of Inlays and Onlays

Both inlays and onlays are a conservative dental approach that can protect your teeth from further damage and eliminate the need for an extraction. Advantages of inlays and onlays include:

• Stability — Inlays and onlays are precisely fitted to ensure maximum stability. In addition, they can actually strengthen the integrity of the tooth without removing any healthy enamel.
• Easy Cleaning — With inlays and onlays, the tooth is easier to keep clean than it would be with a dental crown. They don’t stain, and seal the tooth to keep bacteria out.
• Protection — Inlays and onlays can protect weak areas of your tooth from further damage.

With inlays and onlays, there’s no need to completely reshape the tooth. This is another reason why these techniques are considered conservative or minimally invasive.

How Inlays and Onlays are placed

Inlays and onlays can be done in two office visits. During the first visit, an impression of the tooth is captured. This allows the inlay or onlay to be precisely crafted for a perfect fit. The dentist can place a temporary filling to protect your tooth while you’re waiting for the inlay or onlay to be made. When you come in for your second visit, the temporary filling is removed and the inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to the tooth.

Quality Dental Care in Fanwood and Scotch Plains

At the Fanwood, NJ dental office of Dr. Lawrence Bauman, we handle inlays and onlays in addition to a wide variety of other dental procedures. Whether you need a routine checkup, a cosmetic dentistry procedure, or have a dental emergency, we can help. Schedule your appointment today by giving us a call, or reach out through our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving your dental care needs!

How Do Lumineers® Work?

One of the most exciting dental innovations in recent years is the ability to achieve a beautiful smile regardless of imperfections. Lumineers® are among the more highly sought after cosmetic treatments available today, and for good reason. If you’re interested a smile makeover without committing to long-term dentition changes Lumineers® might be the best choice for you.

Why Lumineers®? 

If your teeth are stained, discolored, misshapen, have an unwanted gap between teeth or otherwise just not what you want them to look like, Lumineers® can change your smile in an average of two weeks time.

Dr. Lawrence Bauman is experienced in placing Lumineers®, and can determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for this dental technology. Unlike other types of cosmetic solutions,  Lumineers® also called no-prep veneers are non-invasive, meaning no tooth enamel is lost during the procedure.

How are Lumineers® Placed? 

Patients are amazed at the dramatic results Lumineers® can provide in such a short time. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers® are extremely thin, which means your natural teeth don’t have to be filed or shaped to make room. During your first visit, Dr. Bauman will talk to you about your dental issues and the goals you have for your smile. Impressions of your teeth will be taken, then sent to a Certified Lumineers® Laboratory along with your dental records. The lab will make your customized Lumineers® based on your impressions and dental information.

During the second office visit, your new Lumineers® will be “tried on” to ensure they fit perfectly. Then, your natural teeth will be gently etched to facilitate secure placement. Finally, the Lumineers® will be placed on top of your natural teeth, one at a time. Ultra-thin type of veneer is designed to last and won’t affect your bite or speech. Your new smile will look and feel natural — no one will know you have veneers unless you tell them.

Lumineers® in Fanwood and Scotch Plains

Dr. Lawrence Bauman is a Certified Lumineers Dentist who can give you a total smile makeover using these ultra-thin veneers. The first step is a consultation, where your teeth and gums will be thoroughly examined. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about cosmetic veneer options. To schedule your consultation, give us a call or use our appointment request form.

We’re proud to serve not only Fanwood but also the surrounding areas of Scotch Plains, Westfield, Berkeley Heights, and Mountainside.