More Information about Tooth-Colored Fillings/Inlays/Onlays
But in some cases, a simple filling can’t resolve the problem. If you have a cavity that is quite large, an old filling that needs to be replaced, or simply want to improve the appearance of a tooth, Dr. Loveless may recommend instead either an inlay or an onlay. These dental restorations are created from a single piece of porcelain that is made to perfectly fit the shape and size of the cavity in your tooth. The difference between the two is simple: an inlay fills in the area between the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay covers the cusps of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays help to preserve the structure of the tooth, which is often compromised due to a large amount of decay. In fact, a tooth is much stronger after an onlay or inlay is applied than it was before!
Whether you need a filling, an inlay or an onlay, Dr. Loveless makes sure that the shade of the dental porcelain used exactly matches your natural teeth. That makes these restorations virtually invisible!