Inlays and Onlays are methods of restoring a normal tooth’s structure after any form of trauma, generally a cavity or other forms of damage or decay. Similar to a filling, Inlays and Onlays fill cavities, however unlike normal fillings they are fabricated in labs outside of the office, as well as being cemented onto the tooth as opposed to being bonded.
Also unlike conventional fillings, inlays and onlays make the structure of a tooth far stronger, making chewing food easier and without the discomfort of the former cavities.
Inlays are used when a tooth’s structure is replaced within the cusp tips of the tooth, when the damage becomes far more severe, and onlay must be used, the new chewing surface includes one or more tooth cusps.
Inlays
Rather than using conventional fillers for cavities Inlays provide an alternative option. They are created from tooth-colored porcelain, and composite resin plastics. Therefore, they are far more natural looking than silver or gold fillings, and far less expensive.
Inlays repair the chewing surface, and fill a cavity caused by decaying tooth matter and bacteria. Your Inlays are created in a special lab setting, using your tooth’s exact measurements and mold. So they are tailored specifically to your tooth or teeth and their exact specifications.
Benefits of Inlays
- More natural than metal fillings
- Teeth and chewing ability becomes stronger
- Porcelain inlays don’t contract or expand with hot and cold temperatures
- More durable than metal fillings
Onlays
Dental Onlays are often considered to be indirect fillings. For those who have cavities and have decaying tooth material in their teeth. An Onlay provides patients with a stronger, more well-fitting, and far longer lasting repair option for cavities and general tooth decay.
The Onlays are fitted, molded, and bonded specifically to the patient’s damaged tooth. Dental restoration that requires material to be bonded at the center of the tooth is considered an inlay, whereas restorations involving the entire biting surface, or one or more cusps of the tooth are onlays.
Benefits of Onlays
- Easy to clean.
- Perfectly molded and fit to your teeth.
- True to size, some composite fillings shrink, however gold, silver or porcelain onlays will not.
- Preserves your natural tooth. Let’s your dentist preserve healthy teeth in an area, while only keeping onlays on the damaged areas of your teeth.
- Stability: Strongand stable. Onlays don’t require the existing tooth to be ground down or any shaving of the teeth, therefore you will have a strong base of teeth. Also, you will have a superior, sturdier fit and the Onlay is made of a resilient porcelain material.
Onlays Vs. Crowns
Onlays are generally a much cheaper option to crowns. The use of the onlay also saves as much of the healthy tooth as possible. Onlays are the best options for those with moderate to minimal tooth decay extending into the flossing area.
If you are in need of tooth correction as a result of decay, cavities or oral discomfort, give us a call today.
