Are Inlays and Onlays Better Than Dental Fillings?

We have dental fillings used to repair mild to moderate decay. There are also dental crowns that correct severe decay. But, what happens when you have decay that is larger for the filling but not ideal for the crowns? A dentist in Chicago will recommend an Inlay and an Onlay to fix the issue.

What Is an Inlay?i

Inlays are usually used to fill the tooth’s cusps (the rounded parts at the chewing edges of teeth). The material is usually made to match the color of your existing teeth, so it blends easily with them. The procedure is similar to getting crowns (caps) on your teeth.

Inlays are custom-made to fit the tooth and are made from gold, porcelain, or composite material. The dentist will determine if you need to get an Inlay near you and which material works best for your situation. Inlays can be cemented with a special dental adhesive called resin cement.

What Is an Onlay?

An Onlay covers the biting surface of a tooth and one or more of the cusps. The Onlay is similar to an Inlay except that it covers only the crown (crowns are caps placed over all or part of a tooth).

What are the Types of Inlays and Onlay?

Inlays and Onlays are made of gold, ceramics, or composite resin materials. Composite resin is the most common inlays and Onlays due to its affordability, durability, and natural appearance.

Inlays are often used to restore a single tooth that has been damaged by decay or trauma. Onlay restorations can be used when there is significant decay around multiple teeth that need repair because it allows for more support than an inlay alone.

When are the Inlays and Onlays Used?

If you have mild dental decay that does not affect the chewing surface, teeth fillings are used to solve the problem. However, if you have highly decayed teeth, Inlays and Onlays are more appropriate for your situation because they can help restore much of the lost structure of your tooth.

The dentist can also recommend indirect restorations if you have extensive cracks or chips on the teeth.

How Do Inlays and Onlays Differ From Dental Fillings?

• Inlays and Onlays are more durable than fillings.
• Inlays/Onlays offer strength to your teeth by replacing lost tooth structure, while fillings do not. This means that they provide you with the strength needed to keep your dentition from breaking down in the future.
• They last longer than dental fillings, which can wear out over time or become unstable if there is more decay underneath them.
• They are better at sealing the margins of a cavity than dental fillings, leading to less recurrent decay and sensitivity problems for the patient after treatment has been completed.

How are the Inlays and Onlays Fixed?

Inlays and Onlays are fixed using bonding resin cement applied to the tooth surface. The inlay or Onlay is then placed into position, and the excess cement is removed with a cotton tip applicator.

Inlays and Onlays are usually completed in two visits: the first visit involves taking impressions of your teeth while they’re dry. The teeth impressions are sent to your dentist’s lab to create an inlay or Onlay that fits perfectly inside your mouth.

Your dentist will examine the restorations to ensure everything fits properly before putting any cement onto it. Once everything has been checked by both you and them, they’ll put some light-cured resin onto every new surface area – this keeps everything stuck together for good! Afterward, you should be able to eat normally again – painlessly!

How Long do the Inlays and Onlays Last?

Inlays and Onlays are more durable than fillings. However, they are not as durable as crowns and bridges. While an Inlay or Onlay made from porcelain will last for many years, composite resin (tooth-colored) restorations may need replacing sooner because of wear and tear.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Dental Impressions for more information about Inlays/Onlays and what to expect during the procedure.