Porcelain Onlays in Buffalo, NY

Todd Shatkin DDS is an experienced Buffalo dentist providing affordable porcelain onlays for patients in Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the United States and Internationally. Are you considering porcelain onlays and aren’t sure if they are right for you? Contact Aesthetic Associates Centre today to arrange your free consultation.

When you have dental decay and a cavity that needs fillings, your dentist has a variety of different options. Porcelain onlays are a form of dental restoration often used in place of traditional composite or amalgam fillings when the decay is present on the chewing or biting surface of a tooth. What your dentist decides to use depends on a variety of different factors, including where the tooth is located, the structural integrity of the tooth, and which option works best for your particular case.

What is a Porcelain Onlay?

Porcelain Onlays in Buffalo, NY Todd Shatkin DDS Cosmetic DentistUnlike traditional composite or amalgam fillings that are filled into the decayed tooth at the time of treatment, porcelain onlays are custom fit, pre-molded restorations made to perfectly fit into the decayed area of the tooth. Because they are custom-made, they may require two separate appointments and a molding of your tooth in order for our dental lab to create the onlay. Porcelain onlays are designed to match your natural tooth color and, in most cases, are very difficult to notice once in place. This makes them a great option for fillings needed in teeth exposed when you smile.

When Is A Porcelain Onlay Recommended?

Porcelain onlays are designed to fit into cavities that extend into the biting or chewing surface of the tooth. Your dentist may decide to use an onlay in cases where the decay has damaged enough tooth that the main structure is weak and using a composite of amalgam filling could put the tooth at risk of cracking. A porcelain onlay is also a possible replacement for a crown when there is enough healthy tooth remaining. Using an onlay allows the dentist to keep more of the natural tooth, whereas a crown would require additional tooth structure removal. This restoration method is also available to replace previous fillings that may have fractured or fallen out. Because of their custom fit, onlays provide a much more stable filling option.

What Should I Expect When Getting a Porcelain Onlay?

In order for your dentist to use a porcelain onlay, you will be required to have at least two appointments. During the first appointment, the dentist will prepare the tooth, removing all the decay to reveal the healthy tooth structure. Once complete, the dentist will make a mold of your tooth that will be sent to the laboratory so they can make the onlay.

At this point, the dentist will put a temporary filling in place. Once the permanent onlay is received, you will come in for your second appointment. The dentist will remove the temporary filling and once again clean the tooth. The permanent onlay is put in place and the dentist will check the fit, making sure it doesn’t negatively affect your bite in any areas. Once the fit is good, the onlay is permanently bonded to the tooth.

What are Some Benefits of Porcelain Onlays?

Porcelain onlays provide many different benefits over standard fillings and crowns. Standard fillings often require the removal of more tooth structure, leaving the tooth in a weaker state and more prone to further damage. Onlays allow the dentist to preserve more of the natural tooth and, because they are custom-fitted, they provide a seal for the tooth that keeps out bacteria that could cause more decay.

In cases where a crown is needed, onlays provide an alternative that again keeps more of the natural tooth, making it a stronger and healthier option. In front teeth, onlays provide a nearly invisible restoration option as they are designed to match your natural tooth color and the fit is so precise it is often unnoticeable. While not all cavities are good candidate for onlays, talk with your dentist and discuss how they could benefit you.

Do Porcelain Onlays Require Any Special Care?

When it comes to porcelain onlays, care begins before the onlay is even in place. Once the temporary filling is in place, it is essential to take care around that tooth. Do not floss in that area or eat hard or sticky foods, as these things can pull out the temporary filling, leaving the tooth nerves exposed. Always return to have the permanent onlay put into place.

Once the onlay is bonded to the tooth, proper oral hygiene, good eating habits and regular dental check-ups and cleanings are all you need to maintain the life of your new porcelain onlay.

If you would like to learn more about how porcelain onlays can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, contact Todd Shatkin DDS at the Aesthetic Associates Centre to arrange your free consultation. Let his 30+ years of experience in cosmetic dentistry work for you! Proudly serving patients in Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Buffalo, Western New York, the United States and Internationally. 

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