Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.
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Maintaining dental inlays and onlays is very similar to caring for your natural teeth, but there are specific nuances that can help extend their lifespan. Because an inlay or onlay is bonded to your tooth, the area where the ceramic meets the enamel, the margin is the most critical area to keep clean. If plaque accumulates on these margins, it can lead to secondary decay, the most common cause of restoration failure. At Liv Hospital, we provide personalized hygiene coaching to ensure you have the right tools and techniques to keep your restorations and your entire mouth in peak condition.
Dentistry is the medical field dedicated to the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. This primarily includes the teeth, gums, and other related structures of the mouth. A dentist’s work is crucial not only for oral health but also for systemic health, as the mouth can often be a window to the body’s overall well-being, showing signs of nutritional deficiencies or systemic infections.
The goal of daily hygiene is to remove biofilm without causing abrasion to the ceramic or the surrounding gums.
Best Practices for Brushing
Using the right tools and applying the correct pressure are essential for long-term success.
Cleaning between the teeth is vital for the longevity of inlays and onlays dental work. Decay often starts at the interproximal margins, where the restoration meets the adjacent tooth. At Liv Hospital, we recommend using high-quality floss or interdental brushes. When flossing around an inlay or onlay, be sure to “hug” the tooth and move the floss gently under the gum line. If you find that the floss catches or shreds, it could be a minor issue that a professional should check. Water flossers can also be an excellent adjunct for flushing out debris from under the contact points.
What you eat can significantly impact the lifespan of your teeth inlays and onlays. While ceramic is robust, it can be brittle if subjected to extreme forces. We advise patients to avoid biting down on complex objects, such as ice, unpopped popcorn kernels, or hard candy, as these can chip the ceramic. Additionally, be mindful of sticky foods like taffy or caramel, which can put unnecessary stress on the bond. At Liv Hospital, we also recommend limiting acidic drinks and sugars, which can promote decay at the margins of even the best-fitted restoration.
If you have a history of clenching or grinding your teeth, your restorations are at higher risk. The intense pressure of bruxism can cause ceramic inlays and onlays to fracture or the bonding cement to fatigue. Liv Hospital specialists often recommend a custom-fitted night guard for patients with these habits. A night guard acts as a shock absorber, protecting both your restorations and your natural teeth from the destructive forces of nighttime grinding. This simple preventive measure can double the lifespan of your dental work and prevent jaw pain.
The most common dental problems are interconnected:
Regular visits to Liv Hospital are essential for the long-term monitoring of your restorations. During a professional cleaning, our hygienists use specialized instruments that will not scratch the porcelain. We also perform a detailed exam to ensure the margins remain sealed and that there are no signs of secondary decay. Early detection of a minor issue, such as a small chip or a slight stain at the margin, can often be resolved with simple polishing or a minor repair, preventing the need for a completely new restoration.
Certain habits can be detrimental to your oral health and the stability of your inlays and onlays. Using your teeth as tools to open packages, bite nails, or hold objects—is a leading cause of restoration failure. These activities create “off-axis” forces that the ceramic is not designed to handle. Additionally, tobacco use can stain the margins of your restorations and increase the risk of gum disease, which can compromise the support of the restored tooth. At Liv Hospital, we encourage a holistic approach to health that includes breaking these habits to protect your smile.
Saliva is your body’s natural defense against decay. It neutralizes acids and provides the minerals needed to keep your enamel strong. If you suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), your restorations are at a much higher risk of developing decay at the margins. Liv Hospital can provide recommendations for salivary substitutes or specific rinses to help manage this condition. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is the simplest and most effective way to support your salivary health and protect your dental inlays and onlays.
Over many years, the resin cement that holds the restoration in place can undergo minor changes. During your check-ups at Liv Hospital, we look for any signs of “marginal ditching,” a tiny recession of the cement. If caught early, these areas can be resealed to prevent bacteria from entering. This proactive maintenance is why restorations placed at our clinic have such high success rates. By staying committed to your hygiene routine and regular professional care, you can ensure that your inlay or onlay remains a functional and beautiful part of your smile for decades.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Yes, you should brush it twice a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Yes, flossing is essential to keep the edges of the onlay clean and prevent decay between the teeth.
Avoid biting on tough things like ice or hard candy, as they can chip the ceramic material.
You should have it checked during your regular six-month dental exams at Liv Hospital.
If you notice a rough edge, call us for a quick polish to prevent plaque buildup in that area.
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