Dental Inlays and Onlays in Vancouver WA

Halt Tooth Decay with This Long-Lasting Porcelain Treatment

Dental inlays and onlays are highly effective treatments that can put you back on the right track so the tooth does not become weaker or lead to a root canal down the road. Also known as “indirect fillings,” dental inlays and onlays help reinforce teeth affected by decay. 

At Harmony Family Dentistry, our renowned cosmetic dentist, Dr. Julie Jang, DDS, is highly experienced in providing inlays and onlays to patients. Call us today with your questions about dental inlays and onlays, or to make an appointment for your free consultation.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are a versatile and effective treatment for tooth decay because they:

• Last longer than most fillings
• Custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly
• Strengthen a tooth that could weaken from decay
• Repair a tooth with a crack or chip
• Preserve more of your tooth’s structure (requiring less enamel removal)
• Do not stain
• Leave less space where a cavity was, making it more difficult for decay to return
• Can be used when a cavity is in the top of the tooth and cannot be adequately addressed with a traditional filling.

What’s the Difference Between Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are similar in many respects but have some key differences.

• Inlays are used when your cavity is at the top center of your tooth between the cusps. These porcelain prosthetics fit right between the grooves of your tooth to prevent further decay.
• Onlays are for more severe cases of decay (or cracks/chips) since they can cover some or all the cusps of your tooth. They are like crowns except less expensive and fit over the existing tooth without needing to file down the tooth to fit the prosthetic.

What Can You Expect from an Inlay or Onlay Procedure?

At Harmony Family Dentistry, you can expect your inlay or onlay procedure to be completed in two appointments.

1. On your first visit, we will treat the cavity and remove the decay on your tooth. We will then create the porcelain inlay or onlay that fits perfectly. Before you leave this initial appointment, we provide a temporary filling or sealant to protect your tooth until the next appointment.
2. On your second visit, we will fit your new inlay or onlay, ensuring that it is snug and does not get in the way of your natural bite. Once we confirm that the fit is perfect, we attach the porcelain prosthetic permanently. We also polish the inlay/onlay to give it a smooth texture that looks like your other natural teeth.

Learn More About Dental Inlays and Onlays

As one of the leading dentists in Vancouver, WA, Dr. Julie Jang, DDS has extensive experience with both inlays and onlays and has years of glowing patient reviews to back it up. If you have a cavity on your tooth or within its cusps, this may be a better option for you than a traditional filling.

Call us today to find out if dental inlays and onlays are right for you, or to schedule a free consultation.