Onlays and Overlays | Elevate Family Dentistry

Onlays and overlays are advanced dental restorations designed to repair and strengthen damaged teeth while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. They are conservative alternatives to crowns, typically made of ceramic material that closely mimics the natural appearance and function of your teeth.

Why Choose Onlays and Overlays?

There are several factors that influence a dentist’s recommendation for the type of restoration needed, including the size and location of decay, the presence of fractures, and how the teeth come together during function. Onlays and overlays offer effective solutions that prioritize the health and longevity of your natural teeth.

An onlay is a conservative restoration that replaces only the missing or damaged parts of your tooth. It fits perfectly into the cavity or damage, restoring the tooth's structure and function without covering the entire tooth. Onlays are ideal for patients who have minor to moderate tooth damage, allowing them to preserve most of their natural tooth.

Benefits of Onlays:

• Conservative Treatment: Preserves more of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns.
• Durable Material: Made from ceramic, onlays are strong and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
• Precise Fit: Custom-made to fit perfectly into the damaged area of your tooth, ensuring comfort and functionality.

Overlays are similar to onlays but cover a larger portion of the tooth, though not the entire height as a crown does. They are particularly useful when a significant part of the tooth is damaged, but the circumferential 2-3mm of tooth structure above the gums remains healthy. This design helps maintain the natural strength and function of the tooth while minimizing the risk of post-operative sensitivity and restoration failure.

Benefits of Overlays:

• Maximized Tooth Preservation: Protects the most critical areas of the tooth while restoring its function and appearance.
• Reduced Sensitivity: By leaving the most sensitive areas near the gum line untouched, overlays decrease the risk of post-operative sensitivity.
• Enhanced Durability: Provides strong and long-lasting restoration, ideal for teeth that experience heavy biting forces.

In cases where there is extensive damage or decay, a crown may be necessary. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing a durable and protective solution but requiring more tooth structure removal. While crowns are more invasive, they are essential for restoring teeth that are too compromised for onlays or overlays.

When Crowns Are Necessary:

• Severe Decay: When decay is too extensive for conservative restorations.
• Fractured Teeth: Teeth with significant fractures that cannot be repaired with onlays or overlays.
• After Root Canal Treatment: Often used to protect and restore teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.

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Choosing the Right Restoration

At Elevate Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique dental needs. Dr. Esther Yi and our experienced team will evaluate your dental condition and recommend the most appropriate restoration to ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health.

For more information on our restorative dental services, visit our Restorative General Dentistry page.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing tooth damage or decay, schedule a consultation with us today to explore your restoration options. Call us at (425) 414-3306 or fill out our online appointment request form.

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