All About Dental Inlays and Onlays
Some types of dentistry can seem confusing to patients. However, different methods of dentistry are used based upon oral issues, benefits and preferences. Here, we present information about inlays and onlays, how they differ from fillings and crowns, their superior benefits to other options and the procedure that will help your mouth achieve its perfect smile.
A Brief Overview
Inlays and onlays, essentially, restore structural integrity to a tooth to serve both as a functional and an aesthetic benefit. Inlays and onlays can also be referred to as “indirect fillings” or “partial crowns”. Inlays and onlays differ from fillings in that fillings can be done if only a small portion of the tooth has been compromised by a cavity. If decay is substantial enough to undermine tooth integrity, an inlay or onlay is chosen. Inlays and onlays are more intensive than a filling but are less intensive than a crown. Crowns require the removal of the healthy portion of a tooth which is the reason onlays are preferred. Inlays and onlays may consist of composite resin, porcelain or gold. Gold can last a longer time; however, porcelain and composite resin match the color of the surrounding tooth and is more aesthetically-pleasing. With good oral hygiene, porcelain and composite resin last a long time and help to protect the tooth from further damage.
Inlays
Inlays are chosen when a portion of the tooth needing to be restored is more extensive than what can be remedied by a filling. Inlays affect the creviced area of the tooth and does not include the outer cusp.
Onlays
Onlays are like inlays, but they incorporate the outer cusp of the tooth because of damage to the cusp. Usually, onlays are done when the tooth becomes fractured on the cusp of the tooth or is otherwise compromised. Onlays are also chosen if the entire tooth does not need a crown.
The Benefits
An inlay or onlay does not require removal of the healthy portion of the tooth to be adhered. Both inlays and onlays are less likely to change in color over time, which adds to their aesthetically-pleasing