A dental onlay is a way to strengthen a damaged tooth, but it can easily be confused with an inlay or a crown. Here, we’ll look at how onlays work and when you might need one.

What Is an Onlay?

An onlay refers to a type of artificial partial tooth, one that covers the damaged portion of your teeth. An onlay and inlay both strengthen your teeth, though inlays are only applied to the grooves of your teeth whereas an onlay will extend to the cusps of your teeth. Sometimes called a partial crown, an onlay can be used for moderate tooth decay to give your teeth additional reinforcement, whether they need it for chewy foods or to survive an unexpected impact.

What Is an Onlay Made Of?

Onlays in Burlington, MA can be made of various materials, including porcelain, resin, or gold. If you have questions about which material is right for you, especially if you’re more concerned with return on investment over initial costs, the team at Advanced Dental Care can help you make the right decision.

Why Onlays Matter

The more you put off restoring a tooth, the more likely you are to damage it and then lose it entirely. Before you end up needing a dental implant or dental bridge, both of which are much more involved procedures, a dental onlay can be the key to restoring your mouth so you limit additional damage.

At Advanced Dental Care, you can talk to a dentist in Burlington, MA who can give you more information about whether an inlay, onlay, or full crown will work best for you. We offer same-day services, including CEREC crowns, that can simultaneously meet your financial and oral health needs.