What Are Onlay Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Onlay porcelain dental veneers are common tooth restorations for repairing a tooth and improving its cosmetic appeal. The porcelain used is customizable to match the luster of the natural tooth, making it so that it would be hard to tell the restoration apart. When considering this procedure, the information provided in this article will help guide your decision and prepare for the process.

Overview of onlay porcelain veneers

Onlays are designed to be conservative tooth restorations for repairing a tooth with severe damages or extensive tooth decay. An onlay will usually cover a large part of the tooth, including one or more of the cusps. It is generally preferred over tooth crowns because it allows the dentist to preserve more of the tooth structure.

Porcelain is usually used for restoration because it allows more customization and it is highly durable. The onlay porcelain veneers can be designed to match the color of existing teeth. These veneers are also called partial crowns.

What to expect

In general, getting porcelain dental veneers will require two dental appointments. During the first dental appointment, the dentist will take impressions of the tooth, which will be used to fabricate a customized onlay porcelain dental veneer in the dental lab.

Afterward, the dentist will clean the tooth and prepare the tooth to receive the restoration. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The dentist will shape the tooth carefully to accommodate the veneer. A temporary restoration will be placed over the tooth to protect it before the second appointment when the permanent restoration will be placed,

At the next dental visit, the dentist will remove the temporary veneer and place the new porcelain restoration. They will use dental cement to bond the veneer; then, check bite alignment. The dentist will make any adjustments as required.

Caring for the onlay porcelain dental veneers

After placing the porcelain veneer, the dentist will provide instructions for aftercare. Brushing and flossing are important to keep the mouth clean. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are necessary because the dentist will be able to monitor the patient’s oral health. Note that the porcelain onlays may deteriorate gradually and may need to be removed and replaced eventually. However, bad oral habits can cause them to deteriorate faster than normal.

The advantages

Since onlay porcelain dental veneers have the same color as the natural teeth, they are more cosmetically appealing and blend in seamlessly. Porcelain material is also strong and durable, meaning patients will be able to chew normally once the process is complete. With adequate care, the restoration can last for many years.

Unlike crowns that demand the removal of the tooth’s structure all around, this option only requires removing the surface of the tooth. This allows the preservation of more of the natural tooth structure.

In conclusion

You can get onlay porcelain dental veneers from the dentist to correct cosmetic flaws on your teeth or repair minor damages. The dental professional will examine the teeth and determine if this option is suitable for you.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.

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