Healthy teeth are crucial for a balanced bite and proper chewing function. Damaged teeth can throw off this delicate balance, leading to discomfort and difficulty eating. Inlays and onlays come to the rescue, restoring both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. This blog post dives into the impact of dental inlays and onlays on your bite and chewing functions.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are types of dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are often referred to as partial crowns and are typically made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Here’s a closer look at each:

Inlays: Placed within the cusps of a tooth, inlays fill the space left by cavities.
Onlays: Also known as partial crowns, onlays cover one or more cusps of the tooth, providing more extensive coverage than inlays.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays provide extra strength and support to your affected tooth, enabling it to endure greater chewing pressure. With proper care, they can last longer than traditional fillings. In addition, dental inlays and onlays require less enamel removal, preserving more of your natural tooth. Compared to traditional fillings and crowns, inlays and onlays offer several benefits:

Durability: Made from strong materials, inlays and onlays can last for many years.
Aesthetics: These restorations can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, providing a seamless look.
Preservation of Tooth Structure: Unlike full crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of the natural tooth structure.

The Importance of a Balanced Bite

Your bite refers to how your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth. A balanced bite ensures an even distribution of forces when you chew, preventing excessive pressure on any single tooth. This promotes optimal jaw function, prevents pain, and protects your teeth from damage.

How Damaged Teeth Affect Your Bite

Chipped, cracked, or extensively decayed teeth can disrupt your bite in several ways:

Uneven Surfaces: Uneven tooth surfaces can cause your teeth to meet improperly, leading to uneven wear and instability when chewing.
Reduced Strength: Damaged teeth are weaker and more susceptible to fractures under heavy chewing forces.
Pain and Sensitivity: Damage can cause pain and sensitivity, making it difficult to chew comfortably.

How Inlays and Onlays Improve Bite and Chewing Function

The primary goal of inlays and onlays is to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Here’s how they impact your bite and chewing function:

1. Enhanced Structural Support

Inlays and onlays provide substantial structural support to damaged teeth, preventing further decay or damage. This reinforcement helps distribute the forces of chewing evenly across the tooth, reducing the risk of fractures.

2. Improved Bite Alignment

A well-aligned bite is essential for efficient chewing and overall oral health. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit perfectly within your bite, ensuring that your teeth come together correctly. This alignment prevents uneven wear on your teeth and reduces the strain on your jaw muscles.

3. Prevention of Tooth Movement

When a tooth is damaged or decayed, the surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap. Inlays and onlays fill these gaps precisely, preventing tooth movement and maintaining the integrity of your bite.

Benefits of Improved Chewing Function

With a restored bite and improved chewing function thanks to inlays and onlays, you can experience several benefits:

Pain-free Chewing: Enjoy a wider variety of foods without discomfort.
Improved Digestion: Proper chewing breaks down food into smaller particles, aiding digestion.
Reduced Stress on the Jaw: A balanced bite minimizes stress on your jaw joint, preventing future problems like TMJ.

The Procedure for Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are tooth restorations used to repair damage or decay. To ease any anxieties you may have, here’s a breakdown of the procedure: First, your dentist will examine the tooth and determine if an inlay or onlay is the right solution. Then, they’ll remove the damaged area and take an impression of the tooth. A temporary filling might be placed to safeguard the tooth until your permanent inlay or onlay is ready. Finally, during your next visit, the temporary filling is removed, and the inlay or onlay is securely bonded to your tooth.

Post-Procedure Care

Proper care of your inlays and onlays is essential for their longevity and your overall oral health. To ensure they last, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to keep both your teeth and restorations clean. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the condition of your inlays and onlays. Additionally, be cautious with hard or sticky foods that can potentially damage your restorations.

Inlays and onlays are an effective solution for restoring damaged teeth, significantly improving bite alignment and chewing function. By choosing these durable and aesthetically pleasing restorations, you can maintain a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. If you are experiencing issues with your bite or chewing, consult with your dentist to determine if inlays or onlays are the right choice for you.

For those considering inlays or onlays to enhance bite and chewing function, contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation. Our professional dentist in Elmhurst is here to help you achieve optimal oral health.