When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay. Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth. An onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth. Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays.

Sonora CA Dentist Jeffery Smith, DDS, practices a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers to dental implants, crowns and bridges. Dr. Smith can now correct a wide variety of so-called permanent cosmetic dental problems, and can literally redesign your smile. Our office is located at 630 Woods Creek Dr, Sonora, CA. Call us at 209-532-4376. General & Cosmetic Dentistry can give you a smile you're happy to show off. Modern cosmetic dentistry techniques make it easier than ever for you to have a bright, even smile.

New dentures will typically fit your mouth very securely as it has been designed specifically for your gums. As time goes on, your gum tissues will change and the fit of the denture will become more loose and thus more prone to movement inside your mouth. Having the denture professionally relined every one to two years will keep the denture secure and functional. All full dentures should have a hard reline every two years.

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Porcelain inlays and Tooth Colored Restorations (onlays) create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies. Silver fillings have many drawbacks. The edges of the silver filling can wear down, become weak or break.