Dental Inlays and Onlays: Benefits and How They Work

 Have you ever had a tooth that was too damaged for a regular filling but not damaged enough for a full crown? If so, you might have heard your dentist talk about something called an inlay or an onlay. These special types of dental restorations are a fantastic way to fix teeth that are in a bit of a “middle ground” of damage.

In this blog post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about dental inlays and onlays. We’ll talk about what they are, how they work, and why they might be the perfect solution for your smile.

What are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Imagine your tooth is like a small house. Sometimes, a tiny crack or hole appears in the roof, and you can simply patch it up with a bit of plaster. That’s similar to a regular dental filling. But what if the damage is bigger? What if a whole section of the roof is gone, but the walls are still strong? You wouldn’t rebuild the entire house, would you? You’d just replace that one part of the roof.

That’s exactly what inlays and onlays do for your teeth.

  • A Dental Inlay: An inlay is a custom-made piece that fits inside the chewing surface of your tooth. Think of it as a puzzle piece that fills the gap created by a cavity or old, broken filling. It’s used when the damage is confined to the tooth’s bumpy edges.
  • A Dental Onlay: An onlay is a bit bigger than an inlay. It not only fits inside the tooth but also covers one or more of the tooth’s “cusps,” which are the pointy tips on the chewing surface. An onlay is sometimes called a “partial crown” because it’s a bit of a hybrid between a regular filling and a full crown.

Both inlays and onlays are made in a dental lab from materials like porcelain, gold, or a special type of composite resin. Because they are custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly, they provide a very strong and precise repair.

How are Inlays and Onlays Different from Fillings and Crowns?

This is a common question, and it’s important to understand the differences.

  • Fillings: Think of fillings as the simplest repair. They are soft materials that are placed directly into the cavity and hardened by the dentist right there in the office. They are great for small cavities and minor damage. However, for larger cavities, a filling might not be strong enough and could potentially crack or break the remaining tooth structure.
  • Crowns: A dental crown is like a full “cap” that covers the entire visible part of your tooth, all the way down to the gum line. A crown is used when a tooth is severely damaged, has a large filling that needs to be replaced, is broken, or has had a root canal. It provides full protection and support for the entire tooth.
  • Inlays and Onlays: These restorations are the perfect solution for that “in-between” stage. They are stronger and more durable than a large filling but require less tooth removal than a crown. They allow the dentist to save more of your natural, healthy tooth structure, which is always the best option.

So, to summarise:

  • Filling: For small damage, it is placed directly in the tooth.
  • Inlay/Onlay: For moderate damage, custom-made in a lab, saves more tooth structure.
  • Crown: For severe damage, covers the entire tooth.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Choosing an inlay or onlay comes with a lot of great advantages:

  • They Preserve Your Natural Tooth: This is perhaps the most significant benefit. Unlike a crown, which requires the dentist to file down a lot of the tooth, an inlay or onlay only removes the damaged part. This keeps more of your original tooth, making it stronger and healthier in the long run.
  • They are Strong and Durable: Made in a lab from high-quality materials like porcelain, inlays, and onlays, they are incredibly strong. They can last for many years, often longer than a large filling. This means fewer trips to the dentist for repairs.
  • They Look Great: Porcelain inlays and onlays can be perfectly matched to the colour of your natural teeth. This makes them virtually invisible, so nobody will even know you have a restoration. They blend in beautifully with the rest of your smile.
  • They Provide a Precise Fit: The lab-made nature of inlays and onlays means they are crafted to fit your tooth with incredible precision. This minimises the risk of food and bacteria getting trapped underneath, which helps prevent future cavities.
  • They Strengthen the Tooth: A large filling can sometimes weaken a tooth, but an inlay or onlay actually helps to hold the tooth together and restore its structural integrity. It’s like adding a strong support beam to your house.

When are Dental Inlays and Onlays Recommended?

A dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay in a few different situations:

  • To replace a large, old filling: Over time, large fillings can become weak, crack, or leak. An inlay or onlay can be a great way to replace that old filling with a stronger, more durable restoration.
  • When a cavity is too big for a filling but too small for a crown: This is the classic “middle ground” scenario we’ve been talking about.
  • When a tooth has a fracture or crack: If a tooth has a fracture that doesn’t involve the entire tooth, an onlay can be used to repair the damaged part and prevent the fracture from getting worse.
  • To restore a tooth after root canal therapy: In some cases, an onlay can be a great way to restore a tooth that has had a root canal, as it provides good protection without needing to cover the entire tooth.

The dentist, whether you’re visiting a dentist like the dentist Berwick, will examine your tooth carefully and determine if an inlay or onlay is the best option for your specific situation.

The Process of Getting Dental Inlays and Onlays

The process of getting an inlay or onlay usually takes two visits to the dentist’s office.

Visit 1: Preparation

  1. Numbing: The dentist at Berwick Smiles will first numb the area around the tooth to ensure your comfort.
  2. Removal of Decay: They will then carefully remove any old filling material and the decayed parts of the tooth.
  3. Shaping and Impression: The tooth is then shaped to get it ready for the inlay or onlay. The dentist will take an impression (a mold) of your tooth. This mold is sent to a dental lab where your custom restoration will be made.
  4. Temporary Restoration: To protect your tooth while you wait for the lab to create your inlay or onlay, our dentist will place a temporary filling.

Visit 2: Placement

  1. Removal of Temporary: The temporary filling is carefully removed.
  2. Fitting the Restoration: Our dentist will check to make sure the custom-made inlay or onlay fits perfectly. They’ll check your bite to ensure it feels natural.
  3. Bonding: Once everything looks and feels perfect, the inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to your tooth using a special dental cement.
  4. Final Polish: The restoration is then polished to make it smooth and seamless, just like your natural tooth.

How to Care for Dental Inlays and Onlays

Caring for your inlay or onlay is easy and is no different from caring for your natural teeth.

  • Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep the area clean and free of plaque. Pay special attention to the area around the restoration.
  • Avoid Hard Foods: Although inlays and onlays are very strong, it’s still best to avoid chewing on very hard foods like ice or hard candies, as this can cause them to chip or break.
  • Regular Dental Check-ups: Continue to see the dentist, such as dentist Endeavour Hills VIC, for regular check-ups and cleanings. The dentist can check the condition of your inlay or onlay and make sure it is still in great shape.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

The cost of an inlay or onlay can vary depending on the material used and the size of the restoration. It is often more expensive than a regular filling but less expensive than a full crown. Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for inlays and onlays, as they are considered restorative procedures. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.

Alternatives to Dental Inlays and Onlays

Depending on the extent of the damage to your tooth, the dentist may discuss a few other options:

  • Direct Filling: For very small areas of damage, a regular filling may be the best and most affordable choice.
  • Dental Crown: If the damage is too extensive, a full crown might be the only option to save the tooth and restore its function.
  • Extraction: In cases of severe and irreparable damage, a tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

Conclusion

Dental inlays and onlays are a wonderful advancement in modern dentistry. They offer a strong, long-lasting, and beautiful way to restore teeth with moderate damage, all while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. If you have a tooth that needs repair and you’re curious about whether an inlay or onlay is right for you, the best thing to do is to talk to our Berwick dentist.

Whether you’re looking for a dentist Berwick or a dentist in Endeavour Hills VIC, a professional can examine your teeth and help you choose the best solution to restore your smile and keep it healthy for years to come. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a big one. 

Schedule a consultation today with Berwick Smiles and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Source: Dental Inlays and Onlays: Benefits and How They Work

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