Dental Inlays & Onlays

When more than half of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

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. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

How Are Inlays and Onlays Applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay or onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is made by the dentist and sent to a lab for fabrication. The dentist will then apply a temporary sealant on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.

At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed. Drs. Pillai, .Bakhshi, Gupta or Vather will then make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

Considerations For Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they can last more than 10 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dental inlays and onlays? Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged but the tooth does not require a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusp tips of the tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps for a more substantial reconstruction.

What materials are used for inlays and onlays? They can be made from porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Gold has traditionally been the material of choice, but porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and ability to match the natural colour of your teeth.

How are inlays and onlays applied? The procedure requires two appointments. At the first visit, the damaged area is removed, the tooth is prepared, and an impression is taken and sent to a lab. A temporary sealant is placed in the meantime. At the second appointment, the temporary sealant is removed, the fit is checked, and the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with a strong resin and polished smooth.

How long do inlays and onlays last? When properly cared for, inlays and onlays can last more than 10 years. They are bonded directly to the tooth using high-strength resins, which can increase the strength of the tooth by up to 75 percent.

When is an onlay recommended instead of a crown? An onlay is a good alternative to a crown in cases where the damage to the tooth is significant but not extensive enough to require covering the entire tooth. It preserves more of the natural tooth structure while still providing strong and lasting protection.

Also, check out other cosmetic dentistry services like; Teeth Whitening, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Bonding, and more.