You may have heard the terms inlay and onlay from your dentist. Both are excellent options for restoring damaged teeth. These restorative procedures offer a middle ground between fillings and crowns. They provide both durability and great aesthetics.
Understanding the differences between inlay and onlay in dentistry can help you make a conscious decision. Read on to understand dental inlay and onlay, and the key indications, differences, and benefits of both.
What is a Dental Inlay and Dental Onlay?
Inlays and onlays in dentistry are custom-made restorations used to repair decayed teeth. They are indirect restorations that fill in particular areas of a tooth. They are made from substances such as porcelain or composite resin. Gold is also sometimes used. These restorations are bonded to the tooth, which provides additional strength. They offer a natural look and durability.
An inlay is used as a restorative material for the chewing surfaces of a tooth. It fits within the grooves of a tooth but does not extend to the cusps. Inlays are an ideal option for teeth with moderate decay or damage limited within the tooth cusps. They are superior to fillings.
An onlay is a larger than an inlay that masks one or more cusps of a tooth. It is used when the damage is more extensive and involves one or more cusps. Onlays provide more coverage and support than inlays, making them suitable for larger restorations. Dentists also use onlays to repair teeth with damaged cusps caused by acid erosion.
Studies report that onlays and inlays have a success rate of more than 90 percent as tooth restoration methods.
Main Differences Between Inlay and Onlay
There are several key differences between inlay and outlay restorative options. These are as follows:
Coverage Area
Onlays and inlays cover different amounts of the tooth. Below are the differences between onlay vs inlay dental procedures:
- Inlays are used for smaller areas of damage or decay. They fit snugly within the tooth’s grooves. Earlier, gold inlays were common, but now people prefer natural-looking material.
- Onlays cover a larger area than inlays. They cover and extend over the tooth cusp, providing additional strength and protection. They are indicated for larger decay in teeth.
Material and Durability
Both inlays and onlays are made from various materials.
- Porcelain or ceramic offers a natural look and is resistant to staining. Recently, it has been used for both inlays and onlays. This material can be altered to mimic tooth translucency.
- Composite Resin is used as it matches the color of natural teeth. It has lower durability as compared to porcelain or gold. The disadvantage is that it’s prone to staining.
- Gold was earlier used for both inlay and onlay in dentistry. It is a noble metal and is highly durable. It is also biocompatible but less popular due to its metallic appearance. It is also stain-resistant.
Benefits of Inlay and Onlay in Dentistry
Inlays and onlays offer numerous benefits for improving dental health and the appearance of your smile. Some of these are as follows:
Strength and Longevity
Inlays and onlays in dentistry are more durable than fillings. With proper care, they can last up to 30 years. Their durability falls between that of fillings and crowns.
Aesthetically Pleasing
These restorations are designed to match your teeth’s natural color. They give a seamless and natural-looking result.
Porcelain and composite resin inlays and onlays blend well with natural teeth structure. They are an excellent choice for the more visible areas of your smile.
Tooth Structure Preservation
Crowns require significant tooth removal. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, preserve more of the natural tooth. This conservative approach helps maintain the tooth’s integrity.
What is the Procedure of Inlay or Onlay
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The process begins with a thorough inspection and diagnosis by your dentist. Your dentist may use X-rays and digital scans to assess the extent of the damage and plan the best treatment.
Preparation and Impression
Your dentist will extract the decaying portion of the tooth in the initial appointment. After that, an impression of the prepared tooth is taken. It is then sent to a dental lab to make the custom inlay or onlay.
To preserve the prepared tooth, a temporary restoration may be applied.
Bonding Process
The temporary restoration is removed in the second appointment. Adhesive is used to attach the customized inlay or onlay to the tooth. In addition to making sure it fits well, your dentist might also shape or polish it for comfort.
What Makes Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns Different from One Another?
The fundamental difference between an inlay and onlay in dentistry is the location of the restoration. An inlay sits between the cusps, mainly in the grooves. An onlay extends past the tooth’s cusp and covers at least one of them. Thus, an onlay is also known as a partial crown. They work well for patients who need a lasting solution that saves more of the natural tooth than crowns.
The entire tooth, including the biting surface and all edges, is covered with a dental crown. However, dentists need to remove much tooth structure before placing dental crowns.
Your dentist will be able to recommend the tooth replacement option that is ideal for you.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between inlay and onlay in dentistry can enable you to make informed decisions about the type of restoration you are opting for. Both options are durable and look good. They also take a conservative approach to preserving tooth structure.
Visit us at Spring Creek Dental today to learn about the best restorative options for you and your family. Contact us or schedule a consultation today!
Our address: 422 2nd Street Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715) 381-9710
