At VI Dental Center, our team is prepared to answer all questions pertaining to inlays and onlays. Oral hygiene, specifically brushing and flossing, are a vital part of your dental health. We can also answer your questions about the different dental specialties and explain your options for treatment.
When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
Our mission over the last 15 years has been to serve families in the Virgin Islands with the incredible experience they truly deserve. Whether you need cosmetic treatment, wisdom tooth removal, a root canal, Orthodontics, or anything in between, VI Dental wants to serve you. We’re your Virgin Islands Dentist!
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist, and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Dr. Jones, Dr. Jones, Dr. Cabbell, Dr. Tingling, Dr. Wensing or Dr. Wall will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.
Get the care you need, from professional dentists in the Virgin Islands who are expert endodontists, general dentists, pediatric dentists, and orthodontists.
9151 Estate Thomas, Suite 203 Foothills Professional Building St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-776-6056
Fax: 340-776-8161
4006 Estate Diamond, Suite 101
Christiansted, VI 00820
Phone: 340-772-6000
Fax: 340-719-6002
Dental Treatments
Clinic Hours
| Mon – Fri | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Appointment Only |
| Sunday | Closed |
At VI Dental Center we provide quality dentistry and professional orthodontics in the Virgin Islands, St. Croix, Christiansted, Frenchtown, Bellevue, St. Thomas, and Contant. | Disclaimer
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