Veneers and onlays repair teeth by putting a protective layer on the surface of the affected teeth. In previous years, dentists used metal to treat dental injuries, and the material yielded solid and lasting results. These days, however, dentists use superior quality porcelain materials to fix damaged teeth and restore beautiful and seamless smiles. Read on to know who qualifies for veneers and onlays and whether these restorative procedures are appropriate for you. 

What Are Veneers and Onlays?

 

Before going into details about who makes a good candidate for these treatments, here is a brief explanation of what veneers and onlays are and how they work. Veneers are custom-made porcelain restorations that cover the front part of your teeth. Veneers are made to suit the outline of your natural tooth, so your restored tooth feels natural. In contrast, onlays, also made from porcelain, restore your tooth’s cusps and your tooth’s chewing surface.

What Do They Treat?

 

Veneers and onlays restore sections of your tooth that have been injured by breakage or decay. The materials are suitable for both curative and cosmetic dental procedures. Onlays are ideal for restoring a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury. A mere filling cannot fix the problem, but the damage should not be severe to involve placing a dental crown. Onlays cover the exposed area of your tooth and work to stop future damage or decay. 

Veneers are most frequently applied to cosmetic dental procedures to enhance the look of your smile. They can change your smile's entire appearance by transforming the size and shape of your teeth. Veneers can seal gaps in your teeth, cover stains, and straighten crooked teeth. When properly maintained and cared for, veneers and onlays can endure daily pressures, such as chewing and biting, for many years to come. 

Candidates for Veneers and Onlays

Good candidates for veneers and onlays will have problems too advanced for a dental filling. The damage should not be too much to warrant a dental crown placement procedure. If you generally want to repair the front part of your tooth and maintain the tooth’s natural structure, veneers are possibly best. Likewise, if there is only damage to the cusp and the chewing part of your tooth, an onlay is a good option. 

You are not a good candidate for veneers and onlays if:

  • You have a huge cavity that requires a crown.

  • If your dentist determines that veneers and onlays are not the correct procedures for you. 

Ideally, to qualify for any of these treatment options, your teeth and gums must be sufficient to support the restorative treatment. Also, you must be keen to practice hygienic oral health and have regular dental checkups. Every person’s oral health differs, and you will do well to consult with your dentist on what treatments will work for you. 

To know more about veneers and onlays, visit Robert A. Rees, DDS, at our office in La Jolla, California. You can also call (858) 454-6181 to book an appointment today.

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