What are porcelain inlays

Dental inlays are indirect fillings used to recreate the anatomy and function of the tooth after being deleted or lost part. Scale can be made ​​of porcelain, composite resin, or even gold. The purpose of inlays and onlays strengthen teeth or replace old or damaged fillings. One of the main benefits of porcelain inlays and onlays is that they provide a highly aesthetic natural look, especially compared to metal fillings. Another advantage is that they are extremely durable, capable of lasting for decades.

Porcelain inlays

The scale is placed on the damaged or decayed teeth, on the upper surfaces of the teeth. Two visits to the dentist are required for the correct placement of the inlay. During the first visit, the dentist will take detailed impressions of the affected tooth after caries removal and places a temporary inlay on the tooth itself. The impression is sent to a lab, where the embedding of the exact measurements of the tooth is made.

On the second visit, the temporary inlay is replaced by the permanent porcelain inlay. Patients can return to work immediately after the procedure.

Porcelain inlays, once in place, are firmly attached to the tooth and can greatly reduce the risk of bacteria forming in the tooth, causing tooth decay.

Porcelain onlays

Unlike inlays, onlays porcelain are placed on the tops of teeth. The onlays are placed in a very similar way to the inlays, which requires two visits to the dentist. They are also considered a type of indirect restoration, since they are made ​​by hand in the dental laboratory. On the first visit, we make impressions of teeth, which are sent to a laboratory where they were manufactured. As expected the final piece, the dentist places a temporary onlay in the tooth. During the second visit, the temporary onlay is replaced with a permanent piece, high strength dental porcelain. In this process the experience of the specialist that manufactures porcelain inlays and is as important natural looking dental coatings work as dentist in your placement. Therefore, the communication between the cosmetic dentist and specialist in porcelain to create the final piece is vital.

Advantages of porcelain inlays

The color of the material used to make the porcelain inlays make them ideal for creating a natural environment, achieving the effect of an aesthetically pleasing and perfect smile.

They also help patients avoid more invasive dental procedures in the future, i.e. crowns and dental bridges or implants. Other advantages of porcelain inlays and onlays, if done correctly, are:

  • Better contour to the affected tooth, resulting in a healthy gingiva.
  • Less impact of food.
  • Extremely durable, high strength compared to white fillings.
  • Matching exceptional color and translucency mimicking the natural tooth.
  • Less bacterial leakage due to a higher setting.
  • Less wear bite compared to white fillings, in which there is severe wear and tear due to the force of the bite.
  • If manufactured and placed correctly, porcelain inlays feel and function like natural teeth.
  • They are resistant to stains.
  • Porcelain inserts are very strong and have united once, add significant force in the decayed tooth.

A skilled cosmetic dentist is capable of combining with porcelain inlays porcelain veneers to preserve the structure of the patient’s teeth and improve the bite. Porcelain inlays and fillings fit like puzzle pieces on the tooth, providing health, beauty, functionality and durability damaged teeth.

Differences between dental fillings and inlays

A filling is made of a resin putty is placed in a single cavity and cured with a special light or laser. Porcelain inlays are manufactured as hard inserts that are typically included in the larger cavities and areas where there is less tooth structure. Fouling adhere to the relevant place stopping tooth decay and the surrounding environment. A more stable structure is achieved, and look like natural teeth. In addition, a filling is a direct restoration, which means to do in an office visit. Porcelain inlays are considered indirect restorations and require special laboratory and a skilled potter who manufactures them so they can be placed on a second visit.