What are Dental Inlays & Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are types of indirect dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are custom-made from a solid piece of material, usually porcelain, composite resin, or gold, and then cemented to the affected tooth. Inlays and onlays are considered a conservative and durable solution when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough to require a crown.
Here’s a brief overview of the differences between inlays and onlays:
Inlays: An inlay is used when the damage or decay is limited to the inner cusps of the tooth (the chewing surface). In this case, the restoration is placed within the grooves of the tooth, without extending to the outer cusps. Inlays are typically used when the tooth structure is still strong enough to support the restoration and prevent further damage.
Onlays: An onlay is used when the damage or decay extends beyond the inner cusps of the tooth, affecting one or more of the outer cusps. An onlay covers a larger area of the tooth, wrapping over and around the outer cusps to provide more comprehensive coverage and support. Onlays are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns” because they cover a larger portion of the tooth’s surface than inlays.
Both inlays and onlays are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions of the prepared tooth. The dentist will remove the damaged or decayed part of the tooth, take an impression, and send it to the lab. In the meantime, a temporary restoration is placed on the tooth. Once the inlay or onlay is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary restoration and cement the final piece onto the tooth, ensuring a proper fit and bite.
Inlays and onlays are known for their durability, esthetics, and ability to strengthen the tooth structure.
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