dental inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and dental Onlays are made of different materials such as composite resin, gold, ceramic, and porcelain. Dentists bond these pieces together in the affected part of your tooth. A dental inlay is used inside your tooth’s cusps, and it’s pretty similar to a dental filling. On the other hand, a dental Onlay works similarly, but the difference is that it extends out over your tooth’s cusps, and it’s more substantial reconstruction. Typically, for both dental Onlays and inlays, gold, ceramic, and composite resins have been used as building materials. However, in recent years, porcelain (one of the best materials) has also become an increasingly popular option because of its color and strength. Not only does it come with the required strength that your bite needs, but it also matches your teeth’ natural color.
Where Inlays and Onlays Can be Used?
To deal with tooth decay or cover a cavity to ensure oral health, dentists place fillings or dental crowns. You probably have heard of these terms already. However, there are also some situations when the crowns and fillings aren’t suitable solutions. In such situations where a significant part of your tooth biting surface is damaged, and its appearance is affected, inlays and Onlays are used for teeth restoration. They’re not as intrusive as a crown and more substantial as compared to a filling. Remember that it’s important to periodically discuss the best restorative care options with your hygienist to prevent potential oral health problems.
How are Inlay and Onlay applied?
To complete the tooth restoration procedure using Onlays and inlays treatment, you’ll need to visit a clinic a couple of times. In your first visit, the dentist will remove the decaying or damaged surface of your natural tooth. Then she or he will prepare your affected tooth. Moreover, the dentist will also get the impression of the tooth to ensure proper chewing surface fit. The impression then will be sent to the lab for the tooth structure fabrication. Lastly, to cover and protect the tooth, the dentist will apply a temporary dental sealant and schedule your next appointment.
During your second appointment, our expert doctors will remove the temporary sealant. Then, they’ll apply the Onlay or inlay to see if it fits perfectly. If it does, then they’ll bond it to your tooth using a powerful resin material. It’s important to note that you might also need to provide us with your medical history and insurance coverage details.
Considerations for Inlays and Onlays
Traditional restoration procedures to fill the cavity or space can reduce the teeth’ natural strength up to 50%. Moreover, it can also weaken the remaining structure and decrease the tooth health of the patient. Inlays and Onlays are excellent alternatives as they can increase the natural strength of your teeth by 75 percent. That’s because they create a powerful bond with your tooth with the help of high-strength material. Moreover, they also have the capability to last for about 10 to 30 years. In some scenarios, the tooth damage isn’t extensive enough to apply the dental crown. That’s where the Onlay comes into play as a perfect alternative. They can revive the beautiful appearance of your teeth and a confident smile. Lastly, don’t forget to prepare your medical history and insurance coverage details before dental treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Inlays Onlays in dentistry?
In cosmetic dentistry, dental Onlays and inlays are alternatives to crowns and fillings to deal with hollow space and decay. They’re used when a substantial part of your tooth’s biting surface is damaged. Dental Onlays and inlays are alternatives to restore your teeth. Direct and indirect are two different types of Onlays and inlays. Dentists make the direct ones, and the indirect ones are made in the laboratory. To ensure your mouth and dental health, restorative care practices are important.
What is the difference between an inlay and an Onlay?
The inlays cover the tooth’s spaces and decay between the cusp’s areas in cosmetic dentistry. On the other hand, Onlays can be used for larger areas, including cusps and covering the cavities.What are Onlays and Inlays used for?
An inlay comes in handy when the cavity or space is too large to handle with a filling. In contrast, Onlays work as the best option when the damage isn’t extensive enough to use a dental crown.
Is an Inlay or Onlay a filling?
An inlay replaces your tooth’s damaged part, and it’s much stronger and lasts longer than the traditional filling.