Cosmetic Dental Services: Indirect Fillings Procedure

Cosmetic dental services, such as indirect fillings, can improve your smile and dental health. Many cosmetic dental services are elective rather than essential, but indirect fillings are restorative treatments for tooth decay and alternatives to conventional fillings. They are durable and fitted to the patient’s mouth and can be fabricated from materials like gold.

Important things to know about cosmetic dental services like indirect fillings

Many patients want to know if indirect fillings are right for them. They can learn the basics about this type of cosmetic dental service so they can prepare for their next visit to the dentist.

What is an indirect filling?

Indirect fillings are reparative solutions to tooth decay or damage. They are strong and functional and can be used in place of traditional fillings.

There are two types of indirect fillings. Inlays are bonded inside the center of a tooth, and onlays are bonded to the biting surfaces of teeth.

Dentists will mold traditional dental fillings into place during a dental visit. In contrast, labs will fabricate an inlay or onlay from a mold of the patient’s tooth. When ready, the dentist will fit and bond the fabricated filling to the damaged tooth.

What are the benefits of indirect fillings?

Indirect fillings tend to be made from quality materials that are stable, strong, and durable. Additionally, they are less likely to discolor over time.

Indirect fillings are better fitted to the patient’s mouth because they are fabricated from a mold of the patient’s tooth. They do not shrink during the procedure, nor do they shrink over time.

When do you get an indirect filling?

A dentist might recommend cosmetic dental services like inlays and onlays when the cavity is too big for a traditional filling. Onlays can also serve as an alternative to full coverage crowns.

What are indirect fillings made from?

Inlays and onlays can be made from materials like gold, resin composite, or porcelain.

What is the procedure for indirect fillings?

Cosmetic dental services like these typically take place over two visits to the dentist. During the first appointment, the dentist will take a mold of the affected tooth. The dentist will send the mold to the lab to be fabricated. The dentist might also fit the patient with a temporary provisional restoration. This will protect the tooth while waiting for the lab to complete the fabrication.

The patient will schedule a second visit when the indirect filling is ready. During this appointment, the dentist will remove the provisional restoration and replace it with the permanent inlay or onlay.

The dentist will double-check the fit and test the patient’s bite. Once fitted, the dentist will bond the restoration into place and polish the margins.