Dental inlays and Onlays in The Woodlands, TX

Made Ya Smile Dental uses inlays and onlays to restore teeth that have been damaged due to decay. An inlay or onlay is used when a simple filling is not enough to strengthen a tooth but does not need the full coverage that a crown can provide. An inlay is positioned in the center of a tooth while an onlay covers one of the cusps, also known in the dental field as a partial crown. To provide patients with the best options for treatment, our expert practitioners make custom inlays and onlays using high-grade porcelain, gold or other metals, or composite resin. If you live in The Woodlands, TX and would like more information about inlays and onlays to improve your smile, contact our clinic for a consultation.

Inlays and onlays at Made Ya Smile in The Woodlands, TX include several benefits as conservative and long-lasting oral restorations for broken or unhealthy teeth, such as:

• Saves a larger portion of the existing tooth compared to standard dental crown treatments
• Allows for sturdiness and long-lasting results
• Resists blotching and discoloration, creating a brightened appearance
• Lessens the likelihood of additional decay or injury by defending the tooth
• Offers a minimally invasive alternative to full dental crowns
• Supports the overall resilience and stability of the tooth
• Provides a comfortable and functional bite
• Combines subtly with your natural teeth

Made Ya Smile Dental may suggest using an inlay or onlay if you have tooth decay, or if one of your teeth has suffered damage due to dental trauma. Inlays and onlays are categorized somewhere in between a traditional filling and a crown, adding a strong foundation so your teeth can function as normal. During your initial appointment, our dentists will perform an examination and take digital x-rays to understand which treatment option is best for your damaged tooth. Made Ya Smile Dental offers several solutions to help you decide which type of material works for your unique situation.

If you are nervous or anxious about getting treatment at a dental facility, rest assured knowing that Made Ya Smile Dental makes your comfort our top priority. We have several sedation options and will gently numb your mouth before we begin the procedure for placing inlays and onlays. With our state-of-the-art tools, our doctors will first clear out the decay from your tooth. If we are using composite resin, the restorations are placed in your mouth directly. For most procedures, however, Made Ya Smile Dental will make an impression of the tooth and send this mold to a special lab for fabrication, then give you a temporary filling while the inlay or onlay is being created. Once it's ready, we will place it in your tooth and bond it into place permanently. At the end of the procedure, we make sure it is fitted securely in place, make any necessary adjustments, then polish the area to make sure it looks and feels great. 

The patients at Made Ya Smile Dental have only noted some mild sensitivity or discomfort following their procedure for inlays or onlays, both of which will disappear after a few days. If we gave you a local aesthetic prior to the treatment, it's important not to eat or drink anything until the numb feeling has gone away. Our friendly staff will teach you how to clean your teeth with these restorations in place, which includes daily brushing and flossing as you would with a natural set of teeth. During your regularly scheduled appointments, our dentists will assess the inlays and onlays to ensure they are being maintained properly. Please contact our clinic immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms, or if you have any issues following the procedure. 

As a restorative treatment, inlays and onlays may be covered in part by a dental health insurance provider and Made Ya Smile Dental proudly accepts most PPO plans. We can contact the insurance company, file claims on your behalf, and review any out-of-pocket costs with you at our practice before we begin treatment. Our team wants you and your family to get the treatment you need at an affordable rate so we offer several convenient payment options, such as low-interest financing through CareCredit®. 

How long do inlays and onlays last?
Dental inlays and onlays generally last between 20 – 30 years. We will provide you with care instructions so they can last as long as possible and will continue to monitor them at each of your appointments.

What happens if my inlay or onlay breaks?
You should contact our office right away if an inlay or onlay breaks. We will assess the damage and try to restore it to its original position.

Can an inlay or onlay be adjusted?
We do our best to precisely place your inlay or onlay; however, adjustments can be made in the future if the restoration needs to be adjusted.

Patients with damaged or decayed teeth need special treatment to bring back the health and function of their teeth, or the issue may become worse over time. Inlays and onlays are a minimally invasive treatment that helps patients treat the damaged areas of their mouth and minimize the need for more costly procedures in the future. To schedule a visit or consultation about this restorative treatment in The Woodlands, TX, call Made Ya Smile Dental now to get started.