Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays: Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Medically Reviewed by Eileen Huynh, DMD

Want to know how to keep your dental restorations in great shape for years to come? If you have inlays or onlays, taking good care of them is key to protecting your investment and keeping your smile healthy.

At Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV, we help our patients care for their tooth restoration with simple, effective tips. Whether you're dealing with cracked teeth or want to learn more about treatment options, our team is here for you. Call us to book an appointment and see how we can help you maintain your beautiful smile.

What are inlays and onlays?

First, what are inlays and onlays? These are custom-made restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays and onlays are usually suggested when a filling isn't enough to treat the area, but a full crown isn't necessary. Inlays fit within the tiny grooves of a tooth, and onlays extend over one or more of the cusps. Both are made from durable materials and blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

Dental inlays and onlays are a great option for restoring cracked teeth or treating moderate decay. They're also a more conservative alternative to crowns because they preserve more of your tooth structure.

Daily care for your restorations

Keeping your dental inlays and onlays in great shape is simple. Just stick to these basic habits:

• Brush night and day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss daily to remove harmful plaque and debris between teeth
• Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pens
• Visit Elegant Smiles regularly for checkups and cleanings

You can book cleanings and examinations in Las Vegas, NV twice a year to keep your tooth restoration strong.

Protect your restorations: What to avoid

Some habits cause your restorations to wear out faster or become damaged. To keep your dental inlays and onlays functional, try to avoid:

• Biting into hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice
• Using your teeth to open boxes or packages
• Grinding or clenching your teeth without a night guard

If you're worried about your tooth restorations, tell our team at your next appointment. We can check them and suggest any needed changes or protection.

A forward-thinking approach to dental materials

Microplastics are becoming a big concern today, and they can be found in dental products like floss, toothbrush bristles, dentures, retainers, night guards, and even composite fillings. While scientists are still studying the long-term health effects of microplastics, these discoveries have made us take a closer look at the materials we use and recommend at our clinic.

At Elegant Smiles, we're committed to keeping your health and the environment in mind. That's why we offer alternatives to reduce plastic exposure without compromising care. For example, we offer inlays and onlays instead of composite fillings for larger restorations, wool floss instead of plastic-based floss, bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones, and Hawley retainers instead of clear plastic aligners, like Essix retainers.

These options reflect our dedication to both your well-being and environmental responsibility. While research on microplastics is ongoing, we stay informed to provide the best possible care.

Protect your smile with thoughtful care

At Elegant Smiles in Las Vegas, NV, we're proud to offer plastic-free alternatives that support both your oral health and overall well-being. Whether you have questions such as, "What are inlays and onlays?", need guidance on maintaining your restoration, or have questions about composite fillings for cracked teeth, reach out today. We're here to help you make choices that can protect your smile for years to come.