Porcelain Fillings (Inlays and Onlays)
Because most people want their teeth to look natural when they laugh, talk and smile, metal-free porcelain fillings are a great option. They restore the natural appearance and strengthen a decayed or previously-filled tooth.
Advantages of Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are created in the lab to meet the exact specifications of your prepared tooth. They are created under high temperatures and pressure so they are strong and stable. By being bonded to the tooth, they add strength to it and prolong its life.
Mr. Dave Chermak, the ceramist who will create your fillings, has his office in the same building as Dr. Kleive, and he will come to see you in person before crafting your restorations.
If your teeth are dull or discolored, Dr. Kleive can whiten your teeth before your inlays or onlays are created so that they can be matched to your lighter shade.
Patient Before and After: Fillings
Inlays and Onlays – How do They Differ?
Inlays and onlays are basically the same thing but fill different-sized areas of decay. An inlay is within the tooth cusps. It can fill a larger area of decay than dental bonding but a smaller area than an onlay. Onlays fill within the cusps and also spread over one or more of them, providing a new partial side surface.
Advantages Over Metal Fillings
- Porcelain fillings are more beautiful and natural-looking than metal fillings. They do not tarnish and will not show through like metal, darkening the tooth color.
- They are bonded to the tooth tissue, strengthening the tooth by pulling inwards on its periphery. In contrast, metal fillings are packed into the cavity and exert outward pressure on the tooth’s periphery. That eventually breaks the tooth.
- A porcelain filling contains no mercury. Each time we put something hot into the mouth, this creates mercury vapor which is absorbed by the body. Mercury is a known toxin and is banned in many countries. Controversy exists as to whether the amount of mercury vapor from metal fillings is large enough to threaten health.
- Porcelain does not respond to temperatures in the mouth. Metals expand and contract with differing temperatures, which puts constant stress on the tooth tissue holding them. Eventually this causes tooth fractures.
- Porcelain, being bonded to the tooth, creates an impenetrable seal, blocking bacteria from getting in around or beneath the filling. In contrast, the packed but unbonded nature of metal fillings allows bacteria to enter the tooth.
Alone or Part of a Larger Program
If you need fillings or want to replace your metal fillings, you can have porcelain inlays or onlays as a stand-alone procedure. If your metal fillings have damaged your teeth, Dr. Kleive will address that. Replacing old fillings is often a part of a Smile Makeover or full mouth reconstruction.
Why not have beautiful, healthy porcelain fillings that fit seamlessly and guard your health? You may even be able to eat foods you had to give up years ago due to unnecessary sensitivity. You can learn more during your free initial consultation in the St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota area. Please contact us today to schedule your meeting with Dr. Kleive.
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