Mar
4
What is a Dental Overlay?
A dental overlay, also known as a dental onlay, is a type of dental restoration used to repair a decayed or damaged tooth. It’s a more conservative alternative to a dental crown.
Here’s how it works:
- Preparation: Your dentist will first remove any decayed or damaged portions of the tooth and prepare it to receive the overlay.
- Impression/ scan: An impression of the prepared tooth is taken, which will serve as a mold for creating the overlay.
- Temporary Overlay: While the permanent overlay is being fabricated in a dental lab, your dentist may place a temporary overlay to protect the prepared tooth.
- Placement: Once the permanent overlay is ready, it’s bonded onto the tooth surface using dental cement.
Dental overlays are typically made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold, depending on the patient’s preferences and the location of the tooth in the mouth. They are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, function, and appearance while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Here at DBay Dental, we are able to offer this service with the added convenience of using the scanner, rather than needing to take an impression – this makes it a much more comfortable experience for you!