235 North Northwest Highway
Palatine, IL 60067
Beuttell, Jeffrey M D.D.S.
1779 Willow Rd
Northfield, IL, 60093-3437
Northfield Dental Office
1721 Orchard Ln
Northfield, IL, 60093-3432
Kirilescu Jr, Dikran D.D.S.
281 Waukegan Rd
Northfield, IL, 60093-2718
Wong, Amy Y D.D.S.
310 Happ Rd # 208
Northfield, IL, 60093-3457
Dental inlays and dental onlays are valuable for restoring teeth that are severely decayed or worn. Typically, they are applied to the chewing surfaces on the back teeth.
What Is the Difference Between a Dental Inlay and a Dental Onlay?
In restorative dentistry, an inlay is used more like a filling for restoring normal tooth structure. It is best if the surface is small and only involves the chewing surface and surfaces between the teeth.
An onlay is similar to an inlay but treats larger areas, covering the entire chewing surface of a tooth. Dental onlays are recommended for larger tooth restorations and when chewing surfaces require long-term protection.
What Are Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays Made of?
Since both are used in areas of heavy chewing and grinding, they must be made from durable materials. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin chosen to match the color of your teeth or they can be made of a mixture of metals called an alloy. Alloys can be a mixture of metals like gold and palladium or nickel and chromium.
What Are the Restorative Dentistry Procedures for Dental Inlays and Dental Onlays?
The tooth is first prepared by removing portions of decay or damage. The remaining tooth structure is shaped in preparation for the dental inlay or dental onlay. An impression of the tooth is made along with opposing teeth and the bite. From this, a plaster model is formed that is used for a custom fit matching the contours of the tooth.
Since both dental inlays and dental onlays are custom-made, a second appointment is needed for checking the fit and cementing the inlay or onlay permanently. At that appointment, any adjustments to the bite will be made. A final polishing adds the final touch to this restorative dentistry treatment.
By Danine M. Fresch, DDS
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
Everyone knows Mona Lisa's smile, but who knows what she meant by it?
Psychologists tell us that, in our ancient past, a smile was a gesture of appeasement. They also believe that, to modern man, a smile signals many different messages - recognition, sympathy, apology, lessening of tension, confusion, embarrassment, doubt, joy, delight. A smile, social observers agree, is a mask behind which we can hide our true feelings.
This mask is a complex gesture. First the corners of the lips curl upward. Then, as the smile grows, front teeth are exposed. In our culture we consider people with glistening white teeth and a beautiful smile to be "good" people. Bad teeth, on the other hand, tend to distort the smile "message" because, curiously, we subconsciously judge others by their teeth.
Some people believe that teeth are a more important element of beauty than the eyes.
Have you noticed that, in the movies and on TV, the "good guys" never have broken teeth or a missing tooth? The "bad guys" almost always do.
Nearly all dentistry affects our appearance, and our appearance affects our sense of personal worth. Among the many things that a cosmetic dentist can do to give you a beautiful smile are:
So … cosmetic dentists are scientists, clinicians, artists and image-makers!
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.
