When tooth decay goes unchecked, a dental filling isn’t always sufficient for your patient. You’ve likely used crowns countless times for extensive decay or following root canal therapy. Sometimes, a cavity is too large for a filling or too small for a crown, which is where dental onlays come in. These could be the perfect solution for your patients, and you’ll find details about them below.

Understanding Dental Onlays

What Are They?

A dentist applies a dental onlay to the biting surface of a tooth—usually the molars. These teeth are difficult to clean and a common area for tooth decay to occur. A dental onlay fills and covers the entire area and is best when a cavity is too large for a traditional filling. You can also use them if an older filling has fallen out. They’re often made of composite resin or porcelain and are extremely durable, which is why many dentists use them as a preferred cosmetic dentistry solution.

What Are the Advantages?

When a patient’s decayed tooth is too small for a crown, you’ll have to reshape it to fit. Onlays prevent this extended tooth restoration treatment from being necessary. Onlays are straightforward to apply after they’re crafted at a dental lab and are natural-looking thanks to the tooth-colored resin and porcelain. They’re exceptionally durable, lasting up to 30 years with proper care. Their leading advantage is that they preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible—the healthiest solution for patients.

If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentistry lab in the Aiea, HI, area, Aloha Dental Laboratory is proud to partner with you. They work with a variety of local dental practices and craft several different products. Whether your patients need crowns, custom dentures, or dental implants, they use state-of-the-art equipment to create accurate, lasting solutions. Call (808) 947-2877 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their dental lab.