Chipped and broken teeth make everyday life difficult. The longer you go on without seeking treatment, the worse your dental issues can become. This will lead to a long and painful future of poor oral health. The best way to avoid this is to seek professional dental care and learn about the different types of restorative treatments available to you right now. But how long do inlays last?
How Long Do Inlays Last?
Restorative dentistry comes in many shapes and forms. Two particular types of treatments known as inlays and onlays offer layers of protection against chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. But how long do inlays last? Are inlays and onlays a permanent restorative procedure? Keep reading as we help you map out your dental care journey by describing our most popular – and successful – restorative dentistry procedures.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay is a cap or a shield made out of a composite resin material. Inlays are custom fitted to your mouth and made to look and feel just like your natural teeth. During your dental appointment, the custom inlays are placed directly on the surface of your tooth, covering up the areas that you use to chew with. This covers up the broken area of your tooth and offers a new layer of support so you can eat and chew again.
Onlays are similar to inlays but are often much larger. They can cover multiple teeth at once and may even cover more than just the surface. Both inlays and onlays involve the creation of customized dental materials made uniquely for your mouth. The dentist will place these materials on your tooth using a dental bonding procedure, which requires no surgeries or incisions. Inlays and onlays can give your teeth the restorative support it needs without causing you any pain.
The Lifespan of Inlays and Onlays
Your inlays may not last forever, but they are designed to last you as long as possible. There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of inlays and onlays, including:
- Where the inlay or onlay is located in the mouth
- How much force you put on the tooth on a regular basis
- How well you can keep up with good oral hygiene
- The materials used to make up your inlays and onlays
- The health of your tooth’s nerves
Your dentist will likely equip you with a set of instructions and care tips to help you maintain your inlays and onlays for many years to come. As long as you follow good dental health habits, you will be able to protect your teeth for a very long time.
Extend the Life of Your Treatment
There are several things you can do to ensure that your inlays last as long as possible. As long as you don’t sustain any major injuries or forget your dental care, you can enjoy onlays for several decades. As long as you can convince yourself to break any bad oral health habits, you are on your way to a lifetime of improvements.
It’s important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once. Flossing gets rid of leftover food particles that end up in between your teeth. If left alone, these food particles turn into harmful bacteria that eventually create cavities. Dental decay can hurt your inlays and onlays as well, so it’s important to keep up with good dentistry habits for the sake of your overall health.
Protect Your Teeth Against Damage Today
Visit your local East Highland Dental Office to schedule an appointment for custom-fitted inlays, onlays, and fillings. We do our best to improve your oral health by covering up cracks and preventing your teeth from breaking further. Find out how you can take advantage of a lifetime of oral health when you contact us today.