121 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, NY 11501
Restoring Teeth Beyond a Filling, Without a Full Crown
Often, patients with existing amalgam fillings will notice signs of breakdown over time, as recurrent decay creates stress fractures on the enamel surrounding the old restoration. When damage extends beyond what a standard filling can address, but is not severe enough to require a full crown, an inlay or onlay offers an effective middle-ground solution.
Using CEREC CAD/CAM technology, our doctors are able to design and create custom inlays and onlays that mimic your tooth's natural color and structure exactly, restoring both strength and appearance in a single visit. We provide this same-day restoration to patients throughout Mineola, NY, Garden City, New Hyde Park, East Williston and Roslyn Heights.
Schedule an Inlay or Onlay Consultation
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay is used when decay or damage affects the center of the tooth, between the cusps, but does not extend over them. A CEREC inlay forms a smooth, tooth-colored replacement for the dental material lost to a cavity, restoring the tooth's shape and function while stabilizing its structural integrity, something that many lab-created crowns cannot always achieve as effectively.
An onlay, sometimes referred to as a partial crown, is used when the damage is more extensive, covering the bumps, or cusps, on the tooth's surface. Rather than replacing an old amalgam filling with another amalgam restoration, or moving straight to a full crown, an onlay is placed directly on the tooth to retain as much of the original tooth structure as possible while creating a more natural appearance.
Why Choose CEREC Inlays and Onlays
CEREC inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional restorations:
- Preserves more natural tooth structure, compared to a full crown, since less of the tooth needs to be removed
- Exact color and structure match, using CAD/CAM technology to mimic your natural tooth precisely
- Maximum bond strength, helping stabilize the tooth and prevent further stress fractures or breakdown
- Tooth-colored, metal-free material, replacing the appearance of old amalgam restorations
- Completed in a single visit, thanks to CEREC's same-day design and milling process
How Your Restoration Is Made, Step by Step
Both inlays and onlays follow the same efficient, same-day CEREC process:
1
Removing the Old Restoration or Decay
Your doctor removes the existing amalgam filling or decayed tooth structure, preparing the tooth for its new restoration.
2
Digital Scan
Instead of a traditional impression, a digital scan captures the exact shape of the prepared tooth and surrounding structure.
3
Custom Design
Using CEREC CAD/CAM software, your doctor designs your inlay or onlay directly on screen, matching the color and contours of your natural tooth.
4
In-Office Milling
A ceramic block matching your tooth's shade is milled into your custom restoration, typically within 10 to 20 minutes.
5
Fitting and Bonding
The finished inlay or onlay is checked for proper fit and bite, then polished and bonded securely to the tooth, completing your restoration in a single visit.
Who Is a Candidate for an Inlay or Onlay?
You may be a good candidate for an inlay or onlay if you have:
- An old amalgam filling showing signs of breakdown, staining, or stress fractures in the surrounding enamel
- Decay or damage too extensive for a standard filling, but not severe enough to require a full crown
- A desire to replace an unsightly metal restoration with a natural, tooth-colored alternative
- Enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support an inlay or onlay rather than needing more extensive coverage
Our doctors will examine the affected tooth to determine whether an inlay, an onlay, or an alternative restoration best fits the extent of the damage.
Maintaining Your Inlay or Onlay Long Term
CEREC inlays and onlays are designed to be strong and long-lasting, but they still benefit from the same care as your natural teeth. Consistent brushing and flossing, along with regular cleanings and exams, help protect both the restoration and the surrounding tooth structure. Since the material closely mimics natural enamel, most patients find their inlay or onlay feels seamless and requires no special maintenance beyond good everyday oral hygiene.
Restore Your Tooth Without a Full Crown
CEREC inlays and onlays offer a natural, same-day way to repair a damaged tooth while preserving as much of your natural structure as possible. Schedule your consultation with our team at PM Dental Care in Mineola, NY.
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