Inbetween Fillings and Crowns
There are times when fillings cannot reinforce a tooth enough, but a crown is not needed. In these cases, a Dental Onlay or Inlay may be the best solution. Your dentist will often diagnose whether you might need an inlay or onlay during a regular dental appointment.
A Cosmetic Dentistry Repair Solution
Porcelain Onlays and Inlays
Similiar to veneers, dental inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations that reinforce an existing tooth that is too damaged to support a filling, but not damaged enough to require a crown.
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings because unlike a standard filling, both are made in a laboratory and cemented or bonded to the surface of the tooth during a second visit. Unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure, but actually strengthen it. After the procedure, the tooth can bear up to 50 – 75% more chewing force.
Because both are fabricated in a dental laboratory, it usually takes two or more appointments to restore a tooth with a porcelain inlay or onlay. The process is very similar to the placement of a dental crown, but inlays and onlays are more conservative.
Inlay or Onlay: What is the Difference?
Inlays and onlays are very similar to each other, but there is a slight difference. Onlays can replace a whole tooth cusp. Inlays are a little more conservative. When deciding whether an onlay or inlay will best meet your needs, your dentist will survey and diagnose the extent of your tooth damage.
To find out more about inlays and onlays, you can contact us at our office. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have. If you’ve experienced any kind of dental trauma, call us immediately to arrange for emergency dentistry.
