Choose Dental Inlays & Onlays for Long-lasting Smile Restoration
Living with damaged or decaying teeth can impact both your daily comfort and confidence. At Swiss Smiles & Implants in Englewood, CO, Dr. Michael Hoagburg offers dental inlays and onlays – precise, conservative solutions that preserve your natural tooth structure while providing lasting protection. Our patients value these treatments for their ability to restore both function and beauty to their smiles.
Ready to take the first step toward a stronger, healthier smile? Contact Swiss Smiles & Implants at 303-795-3517 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hoagburg. Whether you’re in Ken Caryl, Centennial, or Highlands Ranch, our Englewood dental office is here to help you achieve the lasting results you deserve.
What are Dental Inlays?
Dental inlays serve as a conservative restoration option for teeth with decay or damage within their cusps (the pointed parts of your tooth’s surface). Our dentists recommend inlays when traditional fillings might be insufficient, yet a full dental crown would remove too much healthy tooth structure.
Inlays fit precisely into the damaged area of your tooth, much like a puzzle piece. They’re crafted from strong, tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or composite resin, making them virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. These restorations bond directly to your tooth surface, strengthening it and preventing further decay.
What are Dental Onlays?
Dental onlays extend beyond the cusps of your tooth, covering one or more of these pointed surfaces. Dr. Hoagburg often suggests onlays when decay or damage affects a larger portion of the tooth, yet the remaining structure remains strong enough to avoid a full crown.
Think of an onlay as a partial crown – it provides more coverage than an inlay while still preserving more natural tooth structure than a complete crown would require. At Swiss Smiles & Implants, we create onlays that match your tooth’s color and contours perfectly, restoring both function and appearance.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays or onlays at Swiss Smiles & Implants offers several advantages:
- Preservation of tooth structure
- Strong, durable restorations that can last 20-30 years
- Perfect color matching with surrounding teeth
- Better fit than traditional fillings
- Easier cleaning compared to crowns
- Resistance to staining
- Prevention of further tooth decay
- Strengthening of the affected tooth
Inlay and Onlay Process
The process typically requires two visits to Dr. Hoagburg’s office. During your first appointment, he removes any decay and takes precise impressions of your tooth. These impressions guide the creation of your custom inlay or onlay in a dental laboratory.
While waiting for your permanent restoration, you’ll wear a temporary filling. At your second visit, Dr. Hoagburg will remove the temporary filling and carefully bond your new inlay or onlay in place, adjusting it for a perfect bite.
Cost of Dental Inlays and Onlays
The investment in dental inlays and onlays varies based on several factors:
- Size of the restoration needed
- Material chosen (porcelain, composite resin, or gold)
- Location of the affected tooth
- Insurance coverage
At Swiss Smiles & Implants, we work with most major insurance providers and offer financing options to make these restorations accessible. While inlays and onlays might cost more upfront than traditional fillings, their longevity and effectiveness often make them more economical in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
While both restore damaged teeth, inlays fit within the cusps of your tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your specific dental condition.
The process typically requires two appointments spread over 2-3 weeks. The first visit involves preparation and impressions, while the second visit is for permanent placement at our dental office.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for these restorations as they’re considered a necessary treatment rather than cosmetic. Our team will help you understand your coverage and explore payment options.
Our dentist will evaluate your tooth’s condition during your consultation. If you have significant decay or damage but still maintain healthy tooth structure, an inlay or onlay might be the ideal solution to avoid the more extensive preparation required for a crown.
Experience Advanced Dental Care in Englewood
Whether you’re in Cherry Hills Village, Littleton, or Greenwood Village, your perfect smile is just a short drive away. At Swiss Smiles & Implants, Dr. Hoagburg and our caring team welcome you to experience the difference that personalized dental care can make.
Call us today at 303-795-3517 to schedule your consultation. Our dental office in Englewood, CO, provides a comfortable, relaxing environment where we’ll take the time to understand your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. Your healthier, more beautiful smile is waiting – reach out now and take the first step toward dental wellness.