How dental inlays repair the smile in a conservative way

Meridian, Idaho, area patients with trauma or decay in a tooth may believe they need the placement of a filling or dental crown. However, there are times when our team at Ten Mile Smiles may recommend a dental inlay instead. Inlays are used to fix teeth that are too decayed for a simple dental filling but not so damaged that they require a full dental crown. They can improve both the functionality and appearance of your smile.

What are dental inlays?

Our team describes dental inlays as conservative tooth restoration solutions designed to help when a dental filling is not enough but a dental crown is relatively excessive. The dental inlay process includes replacing a damaged tooth structure with an artificial material such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin.

What is the dental inlay process like?

During the inlay process, our dentists remove any damaged parts of the tooth and ensure that it is shaped properly for restoration. We then take an impression of the remaining portion of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to fabricate the inlay. Once the inlay is ready, typically a week or two later, we place it onto the tooth and bond it permanently with a special adhesive.

Why might I consider a dental inlay?

The advantage of using dental inlays instead of crowns is that they are much less invasive and require significantly less preparation than crowns. Additionally, since their design allows for a better fit onto the tooth structure, they help prevent further deterioration and can be beneficial in maintaining the health of your teeth.

If you’re considering dental inlays, we invite you to schedule an appointment with us at Ten Mile Smiles!

Drs. Brent White, Warren Willis, and Chad Cooley have extensive experience restoring teeth using this procedure and are passionate about helping our patients maintain healthy smiles over a lifetime! If you reside in or around the areas of Meridian, Boise, or Eagle, Idaho, we welcome you to schedule a consultation visit with our team of professionals at 3118 West Milano Drive, Suite #110. We are open to new and returning patients and welcome you to learn more about dental inlays for repairing the smile conservatively.