Dental onlays to restore your smile and preserve your tooth with conservative, aesthetic treatment
Not all dentists in and around Jackson, New Jersey, and greater Ocean and Monmouth counties market “aesthetic onlays.” But at Aesthetic Dental Creations, we are privileged to offer onlays as a conservative alternative to full-coverage or more extensive restorations, such as dental crowns. Dr. Balaji Srinivasan understands that the more natural and otherwise healthy tooth structure that we can preserve, the better off the damaged tooth will be in the long run. So, conservative techniques or treatments that keep the most tooth structure are very much at the heart of the recommendations that we make to our patients.
Decayed, broken, weak, or otherwise damaged teeth that have more dental materials introduced to them and that represent greater alteration of the natural tooth are more vulnerable to being damaged again in the future. Having ample tooth structure helps to support the materials that are introduced, shaped, and secured in place — to build up the tooth and restore it to its lovely appearance, strength, and healthy function.
Basics
In Dr. Srinivasan’s skillful hands, dental materials such as ceramics or porcelain are prepared and shaped to look, feel, and function like natural, healthy tooth structure. Fillings are shaped to “fill in” or repair holes or cavities in the tooth caused by decay. Dental inlays are placed to repair more extensive damage that affects the tooth’s surface between its cusps or points. Onlays are a step up in coverage from inlays; they cover the damaged surface of the tooth and at least one tooth cusp. Onlays are sometimes called “partial crowns” because they are a more conservative alternative to full dental crowns. Full-coverage crowns fit over the entire visible part of the damaged tooth after it has been “prepared” (decayed areas of the tooth have been removed). Unlike the other options listed here, full crowns do not build up portions of the crown or the white, visible part of the tooth. The full-coverage crown is designed to replicate the appearance and structure of the natural crown.
Your dentist may determine that you are a great candidate for dental onlays if:
- You have an old filling that needs to be replaced
- Your filling has sustained damage
- You would need a large filling to repair the damaged tooth
- A filling or inlay provides inadequate “coverage” to support the tooth over the long term
Not unlike some of the other restorations listed here, the process of getting an onlay is straightforward. It involves cleaning the tooth and bonding the shaped dental material or onlay into place.
We welcome your questions about these and other services at our office. Call Aesthetic Dental Creations at (732) 451-3570, serving Jackson, Lakewood, Toms River, Manchester, and the surrounding region.
Frequently asked questions about aesthetic onlays
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Some tooth damage is straightforward. For instance, a dental filling is enough to repair your tooth if you have a minor cavity. If the damage is too severe, the dentist will use a dental crown to restore your tooth. However, what about interim situations where the damage is too great for a filling but insufficient to justify dental crown treatment? Those are the instances where you need a dental onlay—a custom-made restoration that repairs moderate damage or decay. An onlay (partial crown) repairs damage between and beyond the grooves of a tooth (between the cusps) without full coverage.
How are onlays different from fillings and crowns?
Fillings repair small areas of decay and are molded directly into the tooth. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth. An onlay falls in between—they preserve more of your natural tooth structure while offering a stronger and longer-lasting result than a filling. Aesthetic Dental Creations recommends onlays for patients seeking a balance of strength, aesthetics, and tooth preservation.
What can I expect from the onlay procedure?
Unlike dental fillings, onlays are created in a lab, requiring at least two dental visits. During the first appointment, Dr. Balaji Srinivasan will inspect the tooth and determine its suitability for an onlay. If so, the dentist carefully prepares the tooth by removing the decayed/damaged portions. Then, the dentist takes precise scans of your tooth to ensure a custom fit. When your onlay is shipped to us, you’ll book another appointment for placement. The dentist will inspect its fit and bond it with durable adhesives for lasting durability.
Are onlays painful to get?
Not at all! The process is minimally invasive and comfortable. We use local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable dental experience. Most patients experience little to no post-procedure discomfort. Mild sensitivity is normal after treatment, but it only lasts a few days. Our dental team will provide easy-to-follow aftercare tips for a seamless transition.
How long do onlays last?
Dental onlays at Aesthetic Dental Creations are made with high-quality, durable materials that withstand everyday wear. Our onlays can last 15-30 years with proper dental upkeep, which includes diligent at-home oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
What are the benefits of onlays?
There are many reasons patients in Jackson choose dental onlays. Some include:
- Strength and durability for chewing and biting
- Natural-looking aesthetics
- Preservation of healthy tooth structure
- Resistance to stains and wear
- Longer-lasting than fillings
Am I a candidate for an onlay?
You may be a great candidate if you have a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth, but still have enough healthy tooth structure left. During your consultation at Aesthetic Dental Creations, Dr. Srinivasan will evaluate your tooth and recommend the best restoration option for long-term health and aesthetics.
Ready for dental onlays in Jackson, NJ?
Dental onlays are ideal when a filling isn't quite enough, but a crown would be too much. Need a dental onlay? Contact Aesthetic Dental Creations in Jackson, NJ, today at (732) 451-3570. Schedule your consultation and discover if dental onlays are right for you.
Dr. Balaji Srinivasan is inspired by the passion and purpose he discovers in dentistry and strives to provide his clients with exceptional services. He graduated from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He then attended Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, and a residency program in Advanced General Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1997, he established Madison Avenue Dental Associates, where he worked for ten years. He then established Aesthetic Dental Creations in Jackson, New Jersey, in 2008 and has not looked back since.
Dr. Srinivasan is an alumnus of the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Training. He has received specialized training in adhesive dentistry and smile design. Dr. Srinivasan is also very effective at treating migraine/headaches because of his expertise in neuromuscular(physiologic) dentistry. He has lectured to dentists at Monmouth Medical Center on various topics. You can count on him to make your dental visit as pleasant as possible!
