Keeping your teeth healthy is a lifelong endeavor, and there are many ways to restore a tooth that’s been damaged.
Two options for restoring and repairing damaged teeth are inlays and onlays.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what are inlays for teeth and how they can help you maintain your oral health.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are similar types of dental restorations, but they’re designed to repair different levels of damage. Here’s a quick explanation.
Inlays
An inlay is a filling that fits inside the cusp tips of a tooth. If the damage doesn’t extend to the cusps, an inlay may be a good choice. Inlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
Onlays
An onlay extends over one or more of the cusps, or raised edges, of the tooth. Dentists often recommend onlays when the damage is too extensive for an inlay but not so extensive that a crown is needed.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings and Crowns
Think of inlays and onlays as somewhere between a filling and a crown. Compared to traditional fillings, inlays and onlays are much stronger. In fact, fillings can actually weaken teeth by as much as 50 percent, while inlays and onlays can strengthen them.
Compared to crowns, inlays and onlays require less of the original tooth to be removed. They’re a more conservative approach if they’re appropriate for your situation.
Dentists typically recommend inlays or onlays when a patient has moderate tooth decay.
What’s the procedure like?
Getting an inlay or onlay usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and places a temporary filling. The dental lab uses the impressions to create a custom restoration that fits your tooth.
At the second appointment, your dentist removes the temporary filling and uses a resin bonding agent to secure the final inlay or onlay in place.
Benefits and Considerations
Inlays and onlays can make your teeth 75 percent stronger. They also let you keep more of your natural tooth than you would with a filling or crown.
These restorations can last for decades. Many dentists today use porcelain because it’s durable and looks natural.
Keep in mind that inlays and onlays can be expensive. You’ll also need to plan on going to the dentist twice.
Conclusion
Dental inlays and onlays offer a durable, natural-looking way to restore a damaged tooth. If you think an inlay or onlay could be right for you, talk with your dentist.