PORCELAIN INLAYS AND ONLAYS AT BRISBANE SMILE BOUTIQUE DENTISTS

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, excellence in dental treatment is epitomised through our use of cutting edge technology for porcelain inlay and onlay restorations. These restorations, meticulously crafted by our teams of master ceramist in Australia, are not just functionally superior but aesthetically pleasing as well. They are seamlessly bonded to the damaged tooth, ensuring a perfect fit and a smooth finish that feels exactly like natural tooth structure. Their strength, durability, and stability make them an ideal choice for significant alterations in tooth shape and color, all done in a biocompatible manner.

The porcelain used in these inlays and onlays is remarkable for its glass like machined finish, offering biological superiority by being naturally stain-free and resistant to plaque due to its smoothness. Computer generated design ensures unparalleled precision in these restorations, enabling them to be matched with the rest of the teeth. This attention to detail and commitment to quality ensures that Brisbane Smile Boutique delivers the best aesthetics in the most durable form possible, redefining excellence in dental restorative treatments.

Process of porcelain restorations

The process of getting porcelain inlays and onlays at Brisbane Smile Boutique is a blend of advanced technology and skilled craftsmanship. This procedure typically involves the following steps, utilising state-of-the-art scanning technology and a 2-week turnaround time for laboratory work:

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with a comprehensive examination and consultation. The dentist assesses the condition of the affected tooth or teeth and discusses the suitability of porcelain inlays or onlays for your specific dental needs.

2. Tooth Preparation: If porcelain inlays or onlays are deemed appropriate, the tooth is prepared. This involves removing any decay or old filling material and shaping the tooth to receive the inlay or onlay. The amount of tooth structure removed is minimal, preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.

3. Digital Scanning: Brisbane Smile Boutique employs advanced digital scanning technology to capture precise images of the prepared tooth. These digital impressions are highly accurate and eliminate the need for traditional dental molds.

4. Temporary Restoration: A temporary restoration may be placed on the prepared tooth to protect it and maintain aesthetics and function while the permanent inlay or onlay is being crafted.

5. Laboratory Fabrication: The digital scans are sent to a specialised dental laboratory where the porcelain inlay or onlay is custom-made. Skilled technicians craft the restoration to match the exact shape, size, and colour of your natural teeth. This process typically takes about 2 weeks.

6. Fitting and Adjustment: Once the inlay or onlay is ready, you'll return to the clinic for the fitting. The dentist will carefully place the porcelain restoration, ensuring a perfect fit. Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage to ensure comfort and a proper bite.

7. Bonding and Polishing: The inlay or onlay is then permanently bonded to your tooth. The dentist will then polish the restoration and the surrounding tooth to ensure a smooth, natural-looking finish.

8. Final Check and Care Instructions: After the procedure, the dentist will check the fit and bite one final time and provide instructions on how to care for your new porcelain inlay or onlay.

Throughout the process, Brisbane Smile Boutique prioritises patient comfort and uses state-of-the-art technology to ensure precision and the best possible aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Advantages of Porcelain restorations

Porcelain inlays and onlays offer several advantages, making them a preferred choice for certain types of dental restorations:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain can be closely matched to the natural colour of your teeth, providing a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance than metal fillings.

2. Durability: Porcelain is a strong, hard material that can withstand the forces of chewing, making inlays and onlays a durable choice for restoring teeth.

3. Fit and Precision: They are custom-made to fit precisely into the prepared area of the tooth, ensuring a better fit and more effective restoration.

4. Tooth Structure Conservation: Inlays and onlays require less removal of the natural tooth structure than traditional fillings or crowns, preserving more of the natural tooth.

5. Stain Resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to staining, maintaining its colour and appearance over time, unlike resin fillings.

6. Longevity: With proper care, porcelain inlays and onlays can last for many years, often longer than traditional fillings.

7. Protection Against Decay and Reinforcement: They provide excellent protection against further decay and can help strengthen a tooth that has been weakened by decay or a large filling.

8. Biocompatibility: Porcelain is a biocompatible material, meaning it is generally well-tolerated by the body with minimal risk of allergic reaction.

9. Improved Oral Hygiene: The smooth surface of porcelain makes it easier to clean and less likely to harbour bacteria compared to other restoration materials.

10. Thermal Insulation: Porcelain inlays and onlays provide better insulation against temperature changes, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold.

These advantages make porcelain inlays and onlays a favorable option for dental restorations, combining functional durability with aesthetic appeal. However, it's important to consult with our dentists to determine whether they are the most suitable option for your specific dental needs.

Disadvantages of Porcelain restorations

While porcelain inlays and onlays are a popular and effective option for dental restorations, there are some disadvantages to consider:

1. Cost: Porcelain inlays and onlays tend to be more expensive than traditional fillings due to the materials used and the laboratory work involved.

2. Procedure Time: The process for placing porcelain inlays or onlays is longer and require two dental visits, as the restorations are custom-made in a laboratory with a ceramic specialist.

3. Tooth Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures with the temporary restoration in place.

4. Potential for Damage: While porcelain is durable, it can crack or chip under pressure. This is more likely if you have habits like teeth grinding or if you chew hard foods.

5. Irreversible Procedure: To fit an inlay or onlay, a portion of the tooth structure needs to be removed. This process is irreversible.

6. Colour Matching Challenges: While porcelain can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth, it may not be possible to achieve a perfect match in the future, if your natural teeth change colour over time.

7. Repair Difficulties: If a porcelain inlay or onlay is damaged, repairing it can be difficult. In some cases, the entire restoration may need to be replaced.

8. Not Suitable for All Cases: Porcelain inlays and onlays are not suitable for every dental situation. They are best used in cases where the tooth damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to require a crown.

Patients should discuss these potential disadvantages with their dentist at Brisbane Smile Boutique to make an informed decision about whether porcelain inlays or onlays are the right choice for their specific dental needs.

Aftercare with porcelain inlays and onlays

After receiving porcelain inlays or onlays, it's important to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing and longevity of the restoration:

1. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Initially, it's advisable to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated side to prevent any damage or dislodging of the new restoration.

2. Be Careful with Hot and Cold Foods: You might experience some sensitivity to temperature initially. Be cautious with extremely hot or cold foods and beverages.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintain good oral hygiene by gently brushing and flossing around the treated area. Avoid aggressive brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

4. Chewing: Initially, you may want to chew on the opposite side of your mouth to give the area time to adapt to the new restoration.

5. Check for Fit and Comfort: Pay attention to how your bite feels. If the inlay or onlay feels uncomfortable or if your bite feels uneven, contact your dentist for an adjustment.

6. Limit Staining Foods and Beverages: While porcelain is stain-resistant, it's still a good idea to limit substances that can stain, like coffee, tea, and red wine, especially shortly after the procedure.

7. Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by your dentist to ensure the health and proper function of your inlays or onlays.

8. Avoid Clenching or Grinding: If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, consider using a nightguard or occlusal splint to protect the new restorations.

Remember, each individual's situation may vary, so it's important to follow any additional or specific instructions given by your dentist. Proper care after the procedure can significantly extend the life and effectiveness of your porcelain inlays and onlays.