Onlays and Inlays (and composite white fillings) are used for the modern replacement of silver fillings.

Onlays are conservative alternatives to crowns and are used to replace restorations or to strengthen a weak tooth.

Inlays and white fillings are popular procedures since they often take a mouthful of unsightly dark spots and changes them to an all white smile. The difference in appearance is very noticeable. Patients tell us they are really surprised by how much better they look.

The Procedure
We begin by removing the old or existing mercury fillings. And because we have Cerec technology, we can often make inlays and onlays in a single visit. The result is an all white tooth that looks virtually undetectable from your other teeth. We use porcelain materials that are very durable and should last for years. Since mercury or silver fillings need to be replaced as they wear, this is a health as well as an appearance procedure.

These new materials offer significant benefits over silver amalgams. Besides matching the natural color of your tooth, these materials actually bond to the tooth, sealing out bacteria. Also, silver fillings tend to expand over time and can result in the cracking of teeth. While no restoration can guarantee against cracks or fractures, the white filling is bonded to the tooth which strengthens the tooth significantly. reducing the potential for fractures.

Note: Some people have difficulty understanding the difference between White fillings and inlays and onlays. White Fillings are a plastic (composite) material that is soft when placed in the tooth and hardened in the tooth itself.

Inlays and onlays are cast or milled and then bonded to the tooth. The porcelain is stronger and chips less frequently than the composite fillings.

We use White Fillings when the restoration is small compared to the tooth. This allows us to be much more conservative than the silver/mercury restorations. In many cases, more tooth must be removed to place a silver restoration; White fillings allow us to use a more conservative and better treatment.

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Robert D. Woods DDS, PC

Alpharetta | 678-325-3394

Dunwoody | 770-551-0808