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Inlay Onlay: Choosing the Right Restoration
Both inlay and onlay are considered indirect fillings. They are pre-moulded or fabricated outside the teeth. Designed according to the grooves of the teeth and size of the decay. They differ from simple fillings as they are much larger than standard fillings.
Should I get an inlay, onlay or a filling? Only a dentist can recommend what’s best for you after looking at your X-rays and then work with the dental lab to give the best results.
It is an inlay if it sits inside a little point or a cusp in the back teeth while it is an onlay if it covers one or more of these cusps. The procedure to place both of them is the same.
How does it work
Getting an inlay onlay is a similar experience to getting a comprehensive dental crown, but less tooth structure must be removed to place this. Your dentist will always prefer saving the largest amount of your natural tooth structure.
Steps for Inlay or Onlay Procedure
Numbing the tooth
The first step is numbing the tooth with a local anaesthesia to help make the procedure comfortable and easy. Following this, the decayed part is then removed. This will stop the infection from spreading deeper in the tooth.
Impression
Once the tooth is prepared, a digital impression by an intra-oral scanner is done. This will record the required data to prepare inlays and onlays.
Preparation of inlay or onlay
After the impression is sent to the dental lab, a model of your tooth is made. This is then used to design an inlay or onlay. The final restoration is made of tooth-colored ceramic or gold. The material of choice depends on your needs and goals.
Placing inlay or onlay
In your second visit to the dental clinic, the inlay or onlay is made to sit on your prepared tooth. It is checked for bite and fit. Then bonded in the tooth with a permanent cement.
This indirect restoration is strong and long-lasting. They don’t require any greater or different level of care than any other tooth.
Regular brushing, flossing and yearly dental cleaning along with a healthy diet and soft food is all that is needed to make sure your dental restorations are long-lasting.
Difference between Inlay and Onlay
Knowing the inlay onlay difference is important before deciding which one to go for.
| Feature | Inlay | Onlay |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Inlays fit inside the tooth in the grooves or the biting surface without covering the raised points. | Onlays cover one or more of the raised points of the tooth and sometimes even extend to the sides. |
| Damage | They are preferred when the damage is limited to the centre of the tooth. | They are recommended when the decay or damage is extensive but not enough for a dental crown. |
| Aesthetics | They work well when small areas of the tooth need to be covered. | They work well when a larger part of the tooth is to be restored. They are great for covering the more visible part of the tooth. |
| Complexity | They require less tooth preparation. | They involve more tooth preparation because of the larger coverage. |
| Preserving natural teeth | They help preserve more of your natural teeth as only grooves are involved. | They do not preserve much natural tooth structure. |
| Application | Dentists recommend inlays when the decayed area is small. | Dentists recommend onlays when decay involves cusps. But there is no need for a full crown yet. |
Inlay onlay can be made up of different materials, like Zirconia, lithium disilicate or even gold.
Illusion Dental Laboratory provides inlay and onlay made by digital CAD/CAM software. This provides highly accurate and precise restorations for you. They are made from certified materials in an ISO and MDR-certified facility. Which is considered the highest quality in dentistry.
Overlay
It is also known as a superstructure. It covers the complete chewing surface of the tooth. This includes the cusps, cusp tips, the grooves and sometimes the side of the tooth as well.
The extent of the tooth decay will determine the type of restoration you need. Be it inlay, onlay or overlay, the end goal is preserving your natural tooth while restoring functions and aesthetics.
Conclusion
You can read about these treatments, but it is difficult to choose the treatment suited for you without consulting an expert. A dentist will evaluate your case, take the required x-rays and offer recommendations on whether inlay or onlay. If you are looking for an expert dentist offering these services near you then fill in the form and let us make it easier for you!
FAQs:
What materials are inlay and onlay?
Inlay or onlay can be made up of:
- Zirconia - Tooth colored, natural tooth-like and strong
- Lithium disilicate - High strength, aesthetically pleasing and real tooth like.
What are the benefits of getting inlay onlay?
They improve the strength, look and function of damaged or decayed teeth. Without losing much of the natural tooth structure.
How is inlay onlay different from a dental crown?
Inlays and onlays do not cover the entire tooth but just the chewing surface of the tooth. While dental crown requires reducing some amount of natural tooth to make room for the dental crown. This is done only when the damage is extensive, and a filling is not enough.
What are the alternatives to inlay onlay?
A tooth-colored filling or a dental crown can be an alternative to inlay or onlay.
Should I get an inlay or an onlay or a dental crown?
It is difficult to choose the best-suited treatment without consulting a dentist. A dentist is the best person to assess your condition and then decide on the treatment. So, visit a dentist and make your choice clear.
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