Inlays/Onlays

You’ve probably heard of getting crowns or fillings put in place to fill in cavities and dental decay. However, you may not have heard of some of the alternatives, such as dental inlays and onlays.

Usually, fillings are used to fill in small cavities, while crowns are used when the decay is deeper or if there is a larger fracture to be covered up. However, there may be situations when a filling is not enough, and a crown is too much to protect dental decay. Dental inlays and onlays are what many dental professionals will use if they need something “just right” to fill in those gaps. They are more substantial than fillings, but not as intrusive as a crown, which may involve reshaping the teeth in some way.

What are Inlays and Onlays in Dentistry?

Inlays and onlays are conservative dental prostheses used to fix moderately damaged teeth. These restorations are used to fix teeth that are too far damaged for a filling, but not so badly where they require a full-coverage crown. Inlays and onlays are made in a laboratory or milling machine from ceramic. Placing an inlay or onlay on your tooth restores the damaged portion of the tooth while preserving healthy tooth structure. Inlays and onlays are durable, natural-looking, and very effective at restoring damaged teeth back to their original form. They also protect your tooth from cavities, fractures, and bite forces.

What is the difference between inlay and onlay?

At their most basic definitions, an inlay fills in cavities and hollows in a tooth in the areas between the cusps. An onlay will not just fill in cavities in those spaces, but they can work for a larger area, including the cusps.  They work similarly to crowns, but they do not cover the entire surface of the tooth. They are both made from the same materials, and they both serve the same function, but they cover different areas of the tooth to properly protect when there is tooth decay.

What is the difference between an Onlay and a Crown?

An onlay is used when the dentist determines that the restoration does not have to be as aggressive as it would with a crown. That means that more of the structure of the tooth can be preserved. A crown covers the entire tooth, and significant reshaping of the tooth is necessary to have one installed. An onlay can be more difficult to get right, which is why the skill and experience of the dentist are so important. So neither is necessarily better than the other, and a dentist will recommend what suits the situation the best.

When are inlay/onlay needed?

Inlays and onlays are a great restorative solution for patients with moderate tooth decay or old, damaged fillings. Generally, moderately damaged teeth cannot be repaired with resin fillings alone, as a substantial filling can weaken the tooth, causing chips or cracks. On the other hand, moderate decay does not necessitate a dental crown, which would require the removal of both decayed and healthy tissue. Inlays and onlays can repair your smile, while conserving more of the natural tooth structure.

What are the advantages of inlay/onlay?

• Excellent tooth protection
• More conservative treatment
• Excellent durability

How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?

One of the main benefits of inlays and onlays is how durable and long-lasting they can be. You can expect an inlay to last anywhere between 5 and 30 years. Dental professionals cannot guarantee how long they’ll last due to a variety of factors. Some can undergo more wear and tear than others, and if they are not cared for, then they can get damaged or fail sooner than expected.

Combining a caring and conservative approach to patient care with modern dental techniques and materials, our team can help conserve your natural tooth structure. If you are ready to restore your amazing smile with a customized inlay or onlay, call our office today to schedule your appointment.