Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays serve as a solution between fillings and crowns to replace a small amount of tooth structure loss due to decay. This option is more substantial than fillings but less intrusive than a crown. Inlays and onlays, depending on the size of the damage, are placed inside cavities at the back of the mouth or can work for larger areas of the front teeth.
Dental inlays, and onlays are made using an imprint of the damaged areas and sent to a lab for manufacturing. Then the inlay is moulded and fitted in the cavity. Onlays can cover a larger area of the tooth, including the cusps (the pointy, elevated parts of the tooth) or can cover the chewing surface in full. Materials involved in making inlays and onlays are porcelain, composite resin, and gold to provide a durable solution. The latter material can only be used if aesthetics is not a problem for the patient.
Benefits
- Uniquely designed to the individual for a perfect fit
- A larger portion of the natural teeth is preserved
- Simple to maintain cleanness
- Conserves, protects and strengthens tooth structure
- Longer-lasting and fit better than fillings
- Ensures a natural look
Steps of the procedure
- First, we remove existing fillings and areas of decay to clean the tooth.
- Then, we make an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab to ensure a perfect fit.
- While the inlay/orlay is under the making, we apply a temporary inlay/onlay to protect the cavity.
- Once the lab has made the inlay/onlay, we double-check whether it fits correctly and using a strong dental adhesive, we apply it permanently into its final place.
Caring for your inlays/onlays
Inlays and onlays serve as a durable solution for the damaged tooth and provides extra protection from pressure applied while chewing. Luckily, it is not difficult to keep them clean; therefore, if good oral health habits are kept, inlays and onlays can last for many years.