Chipped teeth or lingering cavities cause discomfort and impact the appearance of your smile.
Inlays and onlays provide a strong, aesthetically pleasing solution to these dental issues. This article explores the advantages of inlays and onlays over other treatments, procedures, and aftercare tips.
What Is an Inlay?
An inlay is an like a puzzle piece that fits in the center part of the tooth. dental restoration. It is a custom-made restoration made in a dental lab and inserted into the prepared tooth’s cavity.
What is an onlay?
An onlay is an indirect restoration used to repair large restorations with more extensive damage involving corners or biting surfaces. It’s a conservative option that strengthens weakened teeth due to caries, tooth fractures, or extensive restorations.
Materials used for inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays can be made from metals, composite resin, porcelain, E-max, and Zirconium. Gold was once the preferred material for inlays and onlays due to its strength and durability. However, it is now replaced with tooth-colored restorations. Nevertheless, they can still be used in areas where appearance isn’t a concern, such as the back molars.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Metal | Very strong and durable | Not aesthetically pleasing |
| Porcelain | Natural appearance | More susceptible to chipping or fracturing |
| Composite resin | Less expensive | Less durable and strong compared to other materials |
| E-max & Zirconium | Strong, aesthetic, biocompatible | Can be more expensive than other materials |
Choosing the Right Dental Restoration: Inlays, Onlays, Fillings, and Crowns
An Inlay or onlay is a much more conservative and durable restorative option. Two factors contribute to its strength: a conservative cavity design and high-strength ceramic or metal use. This Improved strength translates to restorations lasting up to decades.
Advantages of Ceramic Inlays and Onlays
Ceramic inlays and onlays offer several advantages, including precise detail and fit, high biocompatibility, excellent stain resistance, natural aesthetic appearance, and durability under daily use. It is also a perfect match to the patient’s teeth’ color, shape, and structure.
- They are are constructed in a lab to imitate precise tooth details
- Dental inlays and onlays withstand daily wear and tear effectively
- Dental inlays and onlays are customized to match natural tooth color
- Ceramic inlays and onlays are highly resistant to staining and discoloration, which is a significant advantage for restorations in highly visible areas like front teeth.
Disadvantages of ceramic inlays/Onlays
Cost and fracture risk in high-risk areas are the only cons of ceramic Inlays/Onlays.
Common Uses of Inlays and Onlays
Restoring Decayed or Damaged Teeth: Inlays and onlays are excellent options to repair teeth with moderate to severe decay or damage.
Inlays and onlays are customized in a dental lab to fit the shape of the prepared area precisely, allowing for a stronger, more durable repair compared to fillings, especially for larger cavities or areas with significant structural weakness.
Conservative tooth preparations: Inlays and onlays have cavity designs that preserve tooth structure. Unlike traditional dental fillings like amalgam and composite, no additional tooth removal is required to retain the restoration.
Strengthening and supporting weakened teeth: Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that support compromised teeth, strengthen the tooth structure, and increase longevity.
Alternative to Traditional Fillings and Crowns: Traditional fillings are suitable for minor cavities but may not be suitable for larger areas of damage.
Crowns on the other hand, cover the entire visible tooth, which may be unnecessary. Inlays and onlays offer the best of both, providing strength and durability while maintaining a natural appearance by only covering the affected portion.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Other Dental Treatments
Depending on the type of dental damage—minor tooth decay, fracture, or crack—several options are available for restoration and repair.
Your dentist will assess the problem and make the best recommendations based on your treatment needs. Let’s examine how Inlays and onlays compare with other dental restorative options.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings
Inlays and onlays are similar to fillings, which restore decayed or damaged teeth. Different filling materials are available, with amalgam and composite resin being the most common. Fillings are used to fill a small area of a tooth after cleaning out a cavity. However, traditional fillings can have a downside.
Inlays and onlays are made from stronger materials like ceramic or metal. As a result, they are more durable and can custom-match natural teeth color, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option for larger restorations.
Fillings are great because they require only one dental appointment, are less expensive, and are appropriate for small cavities. Think of inlays and onlays as a middle ground between fillings and crowns.
Insurance usually covers fillings, inlays, and onlays as all are classified as dental restorations. However, the amount they cover depends on the particular insurance company. Some may pay just the amount they pay for fillings, and others pay more.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Crowns
While crowns cover the visible crown, inlays and onlays only cover a section of the tooth when providing structural support for damaged teeth. Crowns are better suited for extensive damage or tooth reinforcement, while inlays and onlays conserve more natural tooth structure.
The Procedure for Getting Inlays and Onlays
Consultation and assessment: The first step in getting inlays and onlays is a consultation and assessment.
At this visit, the dentist evaluates the tooth’s condition and decides whether onlays or inlays are the best treatment option.
Preparing teeth for custom-made restoration: the dentist removes the damaged or decayed tooth structure, takes an impression of the prepared tooth and that is sent to a dental lab for a customized inlay or onlay.
However, in some clinics, you may get your inlays and onlays manufactured while you wait. With a digital impression taken, the restoration can be fabricated on-site using CAD/CAM technology within 2 hours and placed during the same visit.
A temporary inlay or onlay is placed on the prepared tooth while the permanent restoration is made. This is done to preserve bite function and protect the prepared tooth. Temporary restorations are typically made from acrylic and are not as strong or durable as permanent ones.
Final delivery: Once the permanent inlay or onlay arrives, the dentist removes the temporary restoration, cleans the teeth, checks the color and fit match, and makes any necessary final changes to guarantee a healthy and comfortable bite.
Aftercare and Maintenance of Inlays and Onlays
Follow these aftercare tips to preserve the functioning and lifespan of inlays and onlays: brush and floss twice daily, rinse with fluoride mouthwash, schedule regular dental examinations every six months, and get dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Potential complications and how to address them:
Sensitivity is one of the possible consequences after the procedure. It is usually temporary and should go away in a few days. Avoid chewing on hard objects since using your teeth as tools, as this high pressure can cause chipping or breaking. Contact your dentist for repair or replacement if your inlay or onlay chips or breaks.
Rarely, wear or faulty bonding may cause an inlay or onlay to come loose. To prevent future issues, eat a balanced diet, let your dentist know if your bite has changed, and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.
Adhering to these aftercare instructions and practicing proper oral hygiene can increase the longevity of your inlays and onlays.
Conclusion
Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations that offer a combination of strength, durability, and aesthetics for restoring and repairing damaged teeth. They are made from strong materials like metal or ceramics, providing a more durable alternative to traditional fillings.
Inlays and onlays preserve the natural tooth structure by only covering the affected portion of the tooth. Custom-made inlays and onlays can be precisely matched to the color of surrounding teeth,
Consult your dentist to discuss the treatment options best suited to your needs. After a thorough assessment, they can guide you better regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each.
