Inside every smile are stories of every sip and bite, whispered to us through the health of our
teeth. When these stories involve decay or damage, it’s crucial to choose the right restorative
path. In the world of dental care, inlays and onlays are the unsung heroes that offer a ‘middle
ground’ solution—a restoration option nestled between a simple filling and a full-coverage
crown. Today, Stallings Dental unveils the curtain on inlays and onlays, bringing to light this
conservative yet effective treatment approach.

Understanding Inlays and Onlays

Imagine a scene where your tooth requires more than a filling but less than a crown. Here is
where inlays and onlays steal the spotlight—both are types of indirect restorations, which
means they are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth. While inlays fit within
the grooves between the cusps of a tooth, onlays are more extensive, covering one or more
cusps or the entire biting surface.

The Casting Process: Creating Your Restoration

The journey begins with a consultation at Stallings Dental, where we determine the best course
of action for your unique dental needs. If an inlay or onlay is the star of the show, the procedure
commences:.

• Preparation: We remove decay and shape the tooth to receive the restoration.
• Impressions: We take an impression of the tooth to send to our trusted dental lab, where
  your custom inlay or onlay is made with precision.
• Temporary Care: A temporary filling protects your tooth while your restoration is crafted.
• The Fitting: Finally, the custom inlay or onlay is carefully bonded to your tooth, adjusted,
  and polished to fit seamlessly with your smile.

When to Take Center Stage

Not every dental scenario calls for an inlay or onlay, but there are moments when they are the
ideal performers:

• Moderate Decay: When decay or an old filling is too extensive for a filling, but there’s
  sufficient healthy tooth to forego a crown.
• Restoring Strength: For teeth weakened by decay or wear, inlays and onlays offer
  reinforcement that a filling might not.

The Benefits of a Bright Performance

Inlays and onlays come with an ensemble of benefits, earning them a standing ovation in the
right circumstances:

• Durability: Constructed from resilient materials such as porcelain or composite resin,
  inlays and onlays often outlive traditional fillings.
• Preservation: They require less removal of the natural tooth structure than crowns,
  keeping more of your tooth intact.
• Fit and Aesthetics: Custom-made for a precise fit, they blend with your natural teeth for a
  beautiful, indistinguishable appearance.
• Seal and Cleanliness: Their tight seal to the tooth minimizes the risk of future decay.

The Encore: Aftercare

Inlays and onlays require no special aftercare—simply continue your star-worthy oral hygiene
routine of brushing, flossing, and regular checkups at Stallings Dental. This diligent care
ensures your restoration stays in prime condition, ready for its lifelong role in your oral health.

At Stallings Dental, our passion is keeping the stage of your mouth in the spotlight of health.
Whether you need a simple filling, inlay, onlay, or crown, we’re here with the expertise and
technology to restore your tooth’s structure and function while maintaining the aesthetics of your
natural smile. So if you suspect decay or damage that might benefit from this middle-ground
solution, give us a call—let’s preserve your tooth’s story with the protection it deserves.