Inlays and Onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair decayed or damaged teeth, offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional fillings.
Advantages
- Durability: Made of porcelain, composite, or gold, inlays and onlays are strong and long-lasting.
- Conserves Tooth Structure: Requires less removal of healthy tooth tissue compared to crowns.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Porcelain inlays and onlays can be color-matched to natural teeth.
- Improved Fit: Custom-made in a dental lab for precise fit and function.
- Reduced Risk of Decay: Provides excellent sealing to protect against future decay.
Disadvantages
- Cost: More expensive than standard fillings due to materials and lab fabrication.
- Multiple Visits Required: Typically involves at least two dental appointments.
- Technique Sensitivity: Requires skilled preparation and placement for optimal results.
- Brittleness (Porcelain): While durable, porcelain inlays or onlays may fracture under extreme pressure.
- Not Suitable for All Cases: Complex or severely damaged teeth may need crowns instead.
Indications
- Moderate Tooth Decay: Suitable for restoring teeth with decay too extensive for a filling but not severe enough for a crown.
- Fractured Teeth: Used to repair damaged or cracked molars and premolars.
- Large Fillings Replacement: Replaces old or worn-out fillings with a more durable solution.
- Aesthetic Restoration: Offers natural tooth-like appearance, especially for posterior teeth.
- Strengthening Weakened Teeth: Provides additional support to compromised tooth structures.
Frequently asked Questions
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair cavities or damage in the back teeth. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps, providing more extensive coverage. Both are durable and blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Why would I need an inlay or onlay?
Inlays and onlays are used when a cavity is too large for a regular filling but not severe enough to require a crown. They help restore a tooth’s strength and function while providing a more natural-looking and long-lasting alternative to traditional fillings.
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
Yes, inlays and onlays are often considered superior to regular fillings because they are more durable and provide a stronger bond to the tooth. They also offer a better aesthetic result, as they are made from materials like porcelain that match the color of your natural teeth.
How are inlays and onlays placed?
The process for placing an inlay or onlay involves two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will clean out the decayed area, take impressions of your tooth, and place a temporary filling. At the second visit, the permanent inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth, restoring its function and appearance.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Inlays and onlays are highly durable and can last 10 to 20 years with proper care. Their lifespan depends on factors like your oral hygiene habits, diet and the location of the restoration in your mouth.
Contraindications
- Extensive Decay: Teeth with severe decay or structural loss may require crowns instead.
- Severe Cracks: Deep fractures extending below the gumline are better treated with full coverage restorations.
- Cost Constraints: Inlays and onlays are more expensive than traditional fillings.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Increased risk of decay or failure if proper oral care is not maintained.
- Limited Tooth Structure: Insufficient tooth surface for bonding the inlay or onlay securely.
Summary
Inlays and Onlays offer superior aesthetics, durability, and fit compared to traditional fillings, though they are more expensive and time-intensive.
