Onlays and Inlays Versus Veneers

Tooth chips, decay, and deformations can take the sheen off your smile. Thankfully, restorative and cosmetic dentistry are there to save oral function and your smile! While you may be updated about veneers, onlays, and inlays may be newer dental terms for you. Dentists use all three to repair or enhance teeth, yet each has its own purpose. Read on to explore structural teeth fixes with inlays(or onlays) and cosmetic boosts from a veneers dentist. Meanwhile,  visit Mackenzie Dental Centre, your trusted dental clinic in Vaughan, to know what your smile really needs!

What are Onlays & Inlays?

Inlays and onlays are subtle tooth restorations to correct minor decays or tooth fractures. Your dentist may go for an inlay or onlay when only a part of your tooth is decayed. You don’t need a full restoration, as most of the tooth is still healthy. 

Inlays fit neatly inside the cusps or raised edges of your tooth to restore just the damaged chewing surface. Onlays go a step further by covering one or more tooth cusps. They’re almost like ‘partial crowns’ for your teeth that are custom-crafted from quality composite resin or porcelain. Your dentist directly bonds them to your tooth for a stable, lifelike restoration. 

Inlays and onlays stand out with their ability to preserve natural tooth structure. They reinforce your existing tooth strength without shaving down healthy enamel to place a crown. The result? A stronger bite and a natural tooth look that’s also comfortable!

Decoding Veneers

Veneers are a dazzling cosmetic upgrade for healthy teeth that need correction for colour, alignment or shape. Your veneer dentist can fashion these porcelain shells to fit over your problem teeth for a flawless smile. Veneers also create a balance and symmetry for your teeth to make mildly crooked teeth appear straighter. No braces required! Veneers also mask deep stains and chips, all in one visit(or two!) to your preferred dental clinic in Vaughan. Porcelain veneers mimic natural enamel’s light reflection—this gives them an exceptionally realistic finish. They also fortify weakened tooth surfaces and reduce sensitivity from enamel erosion. 

Function vs. Cosmetic Focus

Inlays and onlays fall squarely in the restorative dentistry camp. Their main job is to rebuild teeth damaged by cracks or decay. They’re the ‘middle ground’ between a simple filling and a complete crown rebuild. Veneers belong to the cosmetic dentistry family, focused on perfecting and refining your teeth. 

In terms of durability and bite strength, inlays and onlays offer excellent bite strength. Veneers are more cosmetic, with moderate bite strength. Sometimes, the line between restorative and cosmetic isn’t so clear. That’s why Dr. Pedvis always begins with a consultation to assess your teeth and smile requirements. 

Procedure, Longevity, and Cost 

Procedure: Your restoration dentist will remove the damaged tooth area and take a precise impression for inlays and outlays. They will be custom-milled to match your tooth’s shape and shade. Once ready, your dentist will bond them into place to restore strength and tooth function. Veneers require light tooth preparation(shaving) for the porcelain shell. Your veneer dentist will craft each piece to fit perfectly and then securely bond them to the prepared tooth surface.

• Longevity: Inlays and onlays are designed for a durable fit that will serve you for a good 15–20 years. Veneers are more cosmetic and may need replacement after 10-15 years of wear.
• Cost: Inlays and onlays are restorative and cost less than veneers. They may even be partially covered under dental insurance. Veneers are slightly higher on the scale as they’re purely cosmetic and crafted for precision aesthetics.

Last Words

To conclude, inlays, outlays, and veneers all improve smiles. The right dental choice hinges on your smile goal—tooth restoration or cosmetic enhancement. Inlays and onlays are ideal for restoring partially damaged teeth. Veneers hold the key to subtly reinvent your smile. The perfect dental treatment preserves your original tooth and is mindful of your specific oral goals. At Mackenzie Dental, your trusted dental clinic in Vaughan, Dr. Pedvis will help you understand all dental options. Your greatest smile is only a consultation away. 

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