There are times when a dental filling is not enough and a crown may be too much to protect a tooth from dental decay. The dental inlay and dental onlay are what many dental professionals would use to get the best of both worlds. A dental inlay or dental onlay may be similar to a dental filling, but they fill in more of the tooth than a tooth filling, and they provide more structural support than a filling.
These restorative dental products are usually made from porcelain or composite resin (a mix of plastic and glass) and are designed to make the patient’s smile look its best. Dental inlays and onlays are also more durable than traditional fillings, which can sometimes chip or wear away. In some cases, a dental inlay or onlay is placed over a previous dental filling.
What is the Difference Between a Dental Inlay and a Dental Onlay?
Dental Inlays
A dental inlay is a restoration that is placed within the grooves or holes of the tooth’s biting surface or chewing surface. The inlay can be customized to the patient’s specifications and is normally made of porcelain or composite resin.
The inlay is bonded to the remaining healthy tooth material at the back of the tooth, similar to a filling, but the inlay covers a larger area than a filling. This extra coverage provides the tooth with more structural support and preserves the shape of the natural tooth.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays are similar to dental inlays except they are placed inside the tooth and extend onto the chewing surface. Dental onlays are also made from porcelain or composite resin and are bonded to the cusps of the remaining healthy tooth. This can drastically change the shape of the tooth, but they are often used to repair large cavities or to cover a large filling.
Which Restoration Is Best for Me?
It is best to consider a dental inlay or onlay if you want more coverage than a filling, but less form-changing structure than a dental crown. It is also best to consider a dental inlay or onlay if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night.
Inlays and onlays are often placed after a dentist has filled a tooth or when a tooth has been restored with a bridge. Similar to fillings, dental inlays and onlays may last for years if properly maintained.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Inlay or Onlay?
A dental inlay or onlay is best for preserving the natural shape of your teeth and giving your smile a more prominent and natural look. Dental inlays and onlays are also a popular choice because they are easier to care for than many other types of restorations, and they can be whitened to match the colour of your teeth.
The Bottom Line: Choosing Between Dental Inlays or Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are both good choices if you want to repair a tooth and restore it to a better appearance without making a drastic change to your smile. The decision between a dental inlay or onlay can be difficult and should be made with your dentist’s input.
If you are having trouble choosing between dental inlays and onlays, contact your local dental office and schedule a consultation with your dental team. Your dentist will be able to help you determine which restoration is best for you.
Are You Looking for the Best Dentist in Lethbridge?
We are here to help you! If you are ready to make your smile look its best, contact us at London Road Dental for the best cosmetic dentistry in Lethbridge.