Dental Inlays Onlays

It is interesting that inlays have always been a decorative technique. They are used in wood, stone, and jewellery. This is also true in dentistry where a solid filling is placed in the biting surface of a tooth. Whether it is porcelain or composite, inlays or onlays in dentistry take a designers eye when tooth restoration takes place.

Porcelain or composite dental inlays and onlays care used to restore and revive teeth that require large fillings.  They provide excellent cosmetic results, along with increased strength and durability, allowing the teeth to function better. An onlay is distinguished from an inlay in that it involves the outer surface of a tooth as well as the biting surface.

Usually two appointments  are needed to complete the procedure. During the first appointment the tooth is prepared for the inlay/onlay. An impression is made of the tooth to be sent to our cosmetic dental the lab for the production of the inlay or onlay. A temporary sealant is then applied to the tooth.

The sealant is removed on the second appointment, and the inlay/onlay is fitted. It will be bonded to the tooth with strong resin and polished to a smooth finish.

dental inlays onlays treatment

What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

Dental inlays and onlays are similar tooth restorations in that both are custom made in a dental lab from dental porcelain or composite resin material. The difference between the two actually lies within the structure of your tooth. Most of the time inlays and onlays are designed to repair decay or damage to a molar. These teeth have cusps, the bumpy parts on the chewing surface of each molar. Inlays are designed to fit within the cusps and lie on the chewing surface. On the other hand, onlays extend beyond the chewing surface and over the cusps. Dr. Kaviani will be able to determine whether an inlay or an onlay is best for you.

Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

• Increased strength and better durability • Is the treatment of choice instead of crowning the tooth if the damage is not extensive • Porcelain inlays/onlays does not change colour over time

Reasons for dental onlays?

• Don't mind spending more time and money to get a long lasting result • Have a large cavity to be filled • Want to avoid staining and improve the aesthetics

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

State-of-the-art CAD software allows us to design every precise detail of your restoration with the accuracy you’ve come to expect from us. It allows us to customize the shape of the restoration to exactly fit your specific clinical needs.

dental inlays onlays alternative filling option

Different Types of Dental Inlays and Onlays

GOLD : gold doesn't stain the teeth and has a longer life expectancy than silver. It can be placed into upper back teeth where it doesn't show , however it shouldn't be placed opposite porcelain inlay onlays as porcelain tends to wear gold rapidly during chewing.    

PORCELAIN: Research shows bonded porcelain inlay onlays can equal the strength of natural teeth, making them particularly attractive choices when aesthetics and strength are required, however extra stress can fracture porcelain just as it can natural teeth.  

COMPOSITEAlthough not as long standing as gold or porcelain, composite resin inlays onlays are a cosmetic option.silver and gold restorations can show when you speak and smile widely. This difference can easily be seen when old restorations are replaced with composite inlays onlays on one side of the mouth.