Restore strength and beauty to your damaged or decayed teeth with custom porcelain dental inlays and onlays in Waxhaw. Dr. William Hays offers these durable, tooth-colored restorations as a conservative alternative to crowns, ideal for treating large cavities or cracked teeth. You’ll receive personalized, judgment-free care in a boutique setting that puts your comfort first.
Protect and Strengthen Weakened Teeth
Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that isn’t extensive enough to require a full dental crown. Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps. Crafted from tooth-colored porcelain, they are bonded securely to your natural tooth structure to restore function, strength, and aesthetics. Unlike metal fillings, porcelain blends seamlessly with your smile.
Why You Might Need Porcelain Inlays & Onlays:
- To repair a tooth with moderate decay or damage
- To restore a tooth that’s too damaged for a filling but not enough for a crown
- To replace old metal fillings with a more natural-looking option
- To strengthen a cracked or weakened tooth
Porcelain Inlays vs. Onlays
Porcelain Inlays
Porcelain inlays are used to restore the chewing surface of a tooth, fitting precisely within the grooves between the cusps (the raised points) of the tooth. They are ideal when decay or damage is confined to the center of the tooth and doesn’t affect the outer edges.
Porcelain Onlays
Porcelain dental onlays in Waxhaw, sometimes called partial crowns, are used when the damage extends beyond the grooves and affects one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Onlays cover a larger area than inlays and are designed to restore the overall shape and strength of the tooth.
Advantages of Porcelain Inlays & Onlays:
- Preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns
- Blend seamlessly with your natural tooth color
- Resist staining better than composite materials
- Strengthen and protect damaged or weakened teeth
- Long-lasting durability with proper care
- Minimize the risk of future decay or fractures
Your Complete Porcelain Inlays & Onlays Experience
at Hays Dentistry
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Hays carefully examines your teeth, discusses your symptoms, and reviews any X-rays to assess the extent of damage. He’ll walk you through your options in detail, ensuring you’re an active part of the decision-making process. If a porcelain inlay or onlay is right for you, Dr. Hays will explain the steps involved and answer any questions.
Treatment
Dr. Hays gently numbs the area and removes any decay or damaged tooth material, preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. Once the area is clean, a digital scan or impression is taken to create your custom restoration. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth while your inlay or onlay is crafted by a trusted dental lab. At your next visit, Dr. Hays bonds the final porcelain piece in place and carefully shapes and polishes it for a seamless fit.
Recovery
You may experience slight sensitivity for a day or two, especially to hot or cold foods, but this typically resolves quickly. You can eat and speak normally right after the procedure, and no downtime is required. Dr. Hays and his team will walk you through aftercare instructions to ensure long-term success, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings.
Results
You’ll see and feel the results immediately once your custom inlay or onlay is placed. Your tooth will look completely natural and feel strong and stable when you bite down. With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years (or even longer), making them a long-term, reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth to ensure both function and beauty.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Hays
Dr. William Hays is a relationship-focused dentist who believes in delivering responsible, honest care without pressure or judgment. At Hays Dentistry in Waxhaw, you’ll never feel rushed. Dr. Hays takes the time to truly listen, explain your options, and ensure your treatment reflects your needs and goals. Whether you’re dealing with decay, cracks, or old fillings, porcelain dental inlays and onlays in Waxhaw can restore your smile with precision. Schedule your consultation today and experience dentistry centered entirely around you.
