Porcelain Inlays in NYC
A porcelain inlay restoration is a custom made filling that is made of composite material, gold, or more commonly a tooth-colored porcelain. Central Park Dentistry specializes in porcelain inlays for dental patience in NYC. Porcelain inlays are very popular because they closely resemble the natural tooth. A porcelain inlay is made at a professional dental laboratory, and is then permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.
A molded impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where an inlay or onlay is fabricated. Inlays and onlays can be made from gold, porcelain or resin materials. The difference is in the appearance of the finished restoration. A porcelain inlay/onlay is a custom-made and shaped insert that perfectly fits inside of a prepared tooth. It is securely bonded to prevent further decay and stabilize the surrounding tooth structure, and it looks completely natural.
Inlays can be used to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings, or have been damaged by decay or trauma. They are the ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings. Also, porcelain inlays are more conservative, compared to crowns, as less tooth structure is removed during the preparation of inlays.
As with most dental restorations, you should know that porcelain inlays are not always permanent and may require replacement someday. However, they are highly durable and should last many years.
Reasons for inlay restorations:
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Cosmetic enhancement
- Decayed teeth
- Fractured fillings
- Large fillings
Advantages of Porcelain Inlays/Onlays
- The porcelain restoration can be colored perfectly to match the existing tooth and look completely natural. They are much more aesthetically pleasing than metal or amalgam.
- Done correctly, porcelain inlays/onlays feel and function just like your natural teeth.
- Porcelain inlays/onlays are stain resistant.
- The porcelain inserts are very strong and once bonded, add significant strength to the decayed tooth.
- Porcelain inlays/onlays are very durable and made to last a long time.
What does getting an inlay involve?
Inlays and onlays are laboratory-fabricated restorations that repair significant decay or fractures. These partial crowns can also replace large amalgam fillings to restore an all-white, metal-free smile.
Inlays are designed for placement between tooth cusps, in the indented top surface of a tooth. Inlays fit over one or more cusps and can extend down the side of a tooth. The shape and size of your existing cavity, fracture, or filling will determine which restoration would work best for your situation. Onlays allow the dentist to preserve more tooth structure than he would be able to save with a full crown.
A porcelain inlay procedure typically requires two appointments. The first appointment includes taking several, highly accurate, impressions (molds) that will be used to create your custom inlay and temporary restoration.
First, the dentist will numb the tooth and remove any decay and/or old filling materials. The space is then thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared. The surface is shaped to properly fit the inlay restoration. A temporary filling is applied to protect the tooth while your inlay is made by a dental laboratory.
At your second appointment, your new inlay will be carefully and precisely cemented into place. A few adjustments may be necessary to ensure a proper fit and to ensure that your bite is comfortable.
When your treatment is completed, you will receive care instructions. It’s important to keep in mind that good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your porcelain inlay(s). To request your no-obligation consultation with our experts in NYC, please fill out the contact form and our patient advisors will get back to you with more details.