Inlays/onlays

For several decades, the standard form of treatment to repair a damaged molar was the silver amalgam filling. Although it is believed to be a successful form of treatment, the use of amalgam fillings has come into question in recent years. Health issues notwithstanding, amalgam fillings require the removal of a good deal of natural tooth structure, a step that could ultimately weaken the tooth, and it certainly affects the appearance of the smile.

Inlays and Onlays

Today, patients with an eye for aesthetics and health are looking to inlays and onlays as their preferred method of restoration when a tooth has sustained a large amount of damage. Inlays and onlays are essentially tooth-coloured fillings that preserve the beauty of the smile while successfully restoring stability and function. Only slight differences separate the two. Inlays are designed to repair a smaller portion of the tooth, lying within the indented tooth surface. Onlays repair more extensive damage, covering areas that extend onto the cusps, or points, of tooth surface. We are interested in conserving as much tooth structure as possible so we often choose onlays, or shell crowns in preference to full coverage crowns.

Treatment with one of these restorations may seem unappealing to some, due to the fact that, much of the time, two dental visits are necessary to complete treatment; one in which the tooth is prepared, and another in which the completed restoration is placed.

Smile in Style is a dental practice in which our patients benefit from the latest in dental technology. Equipped with the CEREC camera and milling machine, our dentists are able to have your tooth prepared, and your new inlay or onlay in place in a single visit. This is only one advantage to CEREC restorations, though. With this innovative technology, we are able to achieve precise fit, and establish a stronger bond between the restoration and the tooth.

CEREC inlays and onlays are made of a strong ceramic material, which means that no metal is needed in this treatment. Metal restorations have been determined somewhat problematic, expanding and contracting with temperature changes. The tiny movements within a metal filling may lead to tooth fracture, or even cause the filling to fall out. The ceramic material in CEREC restorations expands and contracts at the same rate as natural enamel, keeping the fit nice and snug over years of use.

Your smile is in good hands with us. Contact our office in Sunbury or Moonee Ponds for your appointment.

Smile In Style Dental office near Moonee Ponds and Sunbury

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Throughout our site, you will find valuable information about our services that will help you get to know us better. It is our mission to create beautiful white healthy smiles using the latest technologies. Our experienced Dentists and staff aim for lifelong relationships with our patients, providing relevant dental education and continual care throughout life. Here, you can learn more about the various dental conditions that may develop and the ways in which we treat them.
Some of the services you can expect to find at Smile in Style include: Our goal is to work together with you to achieve your healthiest, most attractive smile, whilst ensuring your comfort and satisfaction.

Safe Amalgam Removal Protocol

  • Chlorella drink prior is given prior to treatment and a mouth rinse post-treatment. Chlorella can help bind and prevent mercury absorption.
  • Physical protective barriers - Masks, protective coverings, eyewear, in-mouth non-latex dental dams, and other steps are taken to prevent physical contact with mercury for the patient and staff.
  • Oral evacuation - Generous amounts of water are used to continuously rinse particulate matter from the mouth while suctioning it away. Combined with protective dental dams, this prevents patients from swallowing dental amalgam particles during treatment. Additionally, the rinsing helps lower the temperature of the filling, reducing the amount of mercury vapour released.
  • External air - A continuous supply of non-contaminated air or oxygen is delivered via a mask or similar apparatus, preventing inhalation of mercury vapour or particles.
  • "Chunk it out" method - Rather than using a drill to grind the filling down, it is carefully removed in the largest possible pieces, minimising friction, vaporisation.
  • High Volume Evacuation Suction is used by the dental assistant to remove amalgam particles in the mouth.
  • High Volume Air suction and Air Purifiers are used in the clinical room that is able to remove mercury vapour from the room.
  • Amalgam separator use - This device collects mercury-contaminated waste before it can enter the sewage system, allowing us to dispose of it safely.