Dental inlays and onlays offer a more comprehensive solution than traditional fillings when restoring moderately decayed or damaged teeth. But what exactly are inlays and onlays, and how do they differ? Let’s take a closer look at these beneficial restorative options.
What is a Dental Inlay?
An inlay is a solid, pre-molded piece of artificial tooth-colored material that fits within the grooves of a tooth, filling in areas of decay or damage. Inlays are crafted outside the mouth in a dental lab using composite resin or porcelain materials.
Inlays are considered when the area of decay or trauma is contained within the top cusps or bumps of a tooth’s biting surface. In essence, an inlay fits securely inside the natural boundaries of the tooth, reinforcing and protecting the existing structure.
What is a Dental Onlay?
An onlay is similar to an inlay but covers a larger portion of the tooth’s surface area. While inlays only fill in the center grooves, onlays extend over one or more cusps or edges of the tooth, essentially capping and reinforcing those areas.
To accommodate this broader coverage, more of the tooth’s surface is gently prepared to allow a proper fit for the onlay restoration. Onlays are also custom-fabricated in a lab using durable, tooth-colored materials like composite resin or porcelain.
The Right Approach for Moderate Restorations
Compared to traditional amalgam or composite fillings, inlays and onlays offer a distinct advantage when rebuilding moderately damaged teeth. Some key benefits of inlays and onlays include:
- Conservative Tooth Preservation – Less healthy tooth structure needs to be removed compared to fitting a full crown.
- Precise, Custom-Fitted Restorations – Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted for each patient to ensure a seamless, comfortable fit.
- Long-Lasting Durability – With proper care, inlays and onlays can provide over a decade of secure, reliable function.
- Natural-Looking Aesthetics – Both restorations are made using tooth-colored materials that blend in beautifully.
A Precise Process
At Precision Dentistry of Olympia, receiving an inlay or onlay typically requires two separate appointments. During the first visit, any decay or damage is gently removed, and the tooth is prepared for restoration. Highly accurate impressions and imaging help create a customized inlay/onlay designed specifically for your tooth.
Once complete, the custom-crafted inlay or onlay is securely and seamlessly bonded to the tooth surface during your second appointment. The entire process is comfortable and precise, and it preserves as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Restoring Smiles with Confidence
Whether an inlay or onlay is the right solution, you can feel confident in our capability and commitment to excellence. Our team has extensive expertise with these innovative restorative options, and we’ll carefully explain the process and benefits involved.
Most importantly, your total care, comfort, and outstanding results are our top priorities every step of the way. You can sleep easy knowing your smile is in the best of hands.
You may also want to read: Why Composite Dental Fillings Are The Better Choice.
