Want to repair your damaged teeth without using a crown?
Inlays and onlays are ideal for repairing relatively extensive tooth decay or damage without having to replace the whole outer portion of the tooth as we would with a crown.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings because unlike a standard filling that is done in a dentist’s office, inlays and onlays are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit to the dentist.
Benefits of inlays and onlays
- Less tooth material is removed
- Unlike fillings, these procedures can strengthen a tooth’s structure
- They also tend to last longer than a filling, because the inlay or onlay material is custom made and bonded to the tooth
- Unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure
- After the procedure, the tooth can bear up to 50 to 75 percent more chewing force
- Onlays can also be used to restore strength to teeth after a root canal treatment
To find out more about how inlays and onlays can be used to improve your smile and overall dental health, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative treatments used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Inlays fit within the indented area of a tooth’s chewing surface, while onlays cover a larger portion, including the cusps. Both are custom-made restorations created in a dental laboratory and are often composed of materials like porcelain or composite resin. Inlays and onlays offer a conservative approach to restoring teeth, preserving healthy tooth structure, and providing durability and strength to the treated tooth’s chewing surface.
Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair larger areas of damage or decay within a tooth’s chewing surface, preserving more natural tooth structure compared to crowns, which cover the entire visible portion of a compromised tooth. Fillings are suitable for smaller areas of decay, while crowns are recommended for extensively damaged teeth. Each treatment addresses different levels of tooth damage, and the choice depends on factors such as the extent of the issue, the remaining healthy tooth structure, and overall oral health.
In the dental inlay or onlay procedure, the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is first removed under local anaesthesia. Instead of using traditional impression materials, a highly accurate digital scanner is employed to capture detailed images of the tooth and surrounding areas. This digital scan is then used to create a virtual model of the tooth, allowing for the precise design of a custom-made restoration.
If necessary, a temporary restoration may be applied while the permanent one is being fabricated. The digital impressions are sent to a skilled dental laboratory where the permanent inlay or onlay is crafted using materials such as porcelain or composite resin. This digital workflow ensures a more accurate fit and reduces the need for multiple adjustments.
During the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the final restoration. The permanent inlay or onlay, precisely designed based on the digital scan, is then bonded securely to the tooth using advanced dental adhesives. A special curing light is used to harden the adhesive quickly. The restoration is carefully polished and adjusted to ensure a proper bite, ultimately restoring the tooth’s strength, function, and natural appearance while preserving healthy tooth structure.
The use of digital scanning not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of the process but also enhances the overall patient experience by eliminating the discomfort associated with traditional impression materials.