Porcelain Inlays and onlays: how they affect your smile and your health
12/27/2007
By Dr. Steven Goldy, a cosmetic dentist in
For many years dentists had no option but to fill a decayed tooth with silver amalgam, but thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, we now have ways to create pleasing, natural-looking smiles. Dental researchers are continuing their research and development of materials such as porcelain inlays and polymer compounds that look more like natural teeth and as a result, patients now have choices when it comes to selecting materials to repair missing, worn, damaged or decayed teeth. Many people choose to replace their old silver metal fillings with porcelain inlays not only for esthetic reasons, but also for health reasons.
An often overlooked, but extremely important source of toxic material in the body is the mercury from silver amalgam fillings. A World Health Organization review of inorganic mercury determined that mercury absorption is estimated to be approximately four times higher from amalgam fillings than from fish consumption and other independent studies show that teeth brushing and chewing can cause the release of significant amounts of mercury from these fillings.
In the past porcelain restorations were easily broken, but a new bonding process has eliminated the problem. Bonding the porcelain inlays to the tooth actually makes the tooth stronger than a traditional filling.
What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay? Onlays are a partial crown that sits on your tooth, building its shape and strength, while inlays are designed to fill in the space that a cavity or old filling creates.
Unlike a normal filling a porcelain inlay takes two visits to your dentist because it’s custom made for your tooth. Your dentist will take an impression of the tooth that needs the filling and then send it to the lab. The lab makes the porcelain inlay specifically to fit that tooth. A normal filling is placed directly into the tooth, so there’s no wait time.
Porcelain inlays are strong and wear resistant and will provide years of service. They’re the same color as your natural teeth, so you will not see any unsightly metal in your mouth. All back teeth can be fitted with porcelain inlays.
So the next time you have to go to your dentist for a filling consider asking for a porcelain inlay or onlay. It is possible to not only have necessary dental work done but also have a perfect, pleasing and confident smile.
Dr. Steven Goldy, DDS is a cosmetic dentist practicing in Beverly Hills. His approach to cosmetic dentistry is founded in his belief that everyone deserves to have the best possible
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