Inlay / Onlay
Enjoy Pain-free Restorations.
Dental inlays and onlays are restorative treatments used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. These solutions are an excellent alternative to traditional fillings and crowns when a tooth requires more extensive restoration, but not enough damage has occurred to warrant a full crown. Inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit the contours of the tooth, providing a precise, durable, and aesthetically pleasing result. They are commonly used for teeth that experience moderate decay or damage, often in the back molars, where the pressure from chewing is greatest.
Inlays
Long-lasting in Porcelain, Resin or Gold.
An inlay is designed to fit into the cavity of a tooth, typically covering only the chewing surface, filling the space left after the decay is removed. Inlays are usually made from durable materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain is particularly popular for its ability to match the natural color of the tooth, making inlays less noticeable. Composite resins offer a similar aesthetic advantage, while gold is favored for its durability and long-lasting nature. Inlays are a great option for patients looking for a solution that restores both the function and appearance of their teeth.
Onlay
When More Coverage is Needed.
An onlay, on the other hand, covers a larger portion of the tooth. Unlike an inlay, which fits entirely inside the cavity, an onlay extends over the edges of the tooth, restoring it more extensively. This makes onlays an ideal choice for teeth that have lost a significant amount of structure but still have enough healthy tooth material left to support the restoration. Like inlays, onlays can be crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or gold, and they provide strength while maintaining a natural look. Onlays are often used on teeth that need additional support, especially when a large portion of the tooth structure is compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Inlay/Onlay
Click on any question to view the answer…
What is an inlay and onlay?
An inlay and an onlay are dental restorations made of porcelain that replace tooth structure lost to decay or damage. If the porcelain is limited to the middle of the tooth, it is considered an inlay. If the porcelain covers the side of a tooth, it is considered an onlay.
Why do I need one?
If you want to restore a tooth that is damaged beyond the point that a filling can be used to restore the tooth but there is still a good amount of healthy tooth structure, an inlay/onlay can be used to allow damaged teeth to continue to function.
An inlay/onlay restores the shape, size, and function of a damaged or weakened tooth. Additionally, crowns can enhance the appearance of teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.
How many visits does it take to complete?
An inlay/onlay takes two visits to complete. Each one is fabricated custom by a dental laboratory. On visit one, the tooth is prepared and a digital scan is made and sent to the lab. On the second visit, it is cemented to the tooth.
Will the inlay/onlay look like a natural tooth?
Yes. They mimic the natural shape and color of the tooth. It will be extremely difficult to tell which of your teeth is natural and which is restored.
Where is it made? Why is that important?
All restorations are made by Friendship Dental Lab in Baltimore MD. It is critically important to the long-term success of your crown/veneer/inlay/onlay that it is made in the USA. Because the laboratory is local, Dr. Spina can personally go to the lab and verify each step of the fabrication meets his and FDA standards. Some offices outsource lab services to China, Romania and Mexico. Dr. Spina feels there is no way to verify material used and quality control in labs that are not based in the USA.
Dr. Spina restored all my damaged teeth and restored my faith in dentistry. Truly a gentle giant and a master.
—Thomas Webster
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