25/02/2022
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays can be used as a replacement for traditional dental fillings to treat teeth. As opposed to fillings, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a lab and then fitted to the tooth.
Inlays are a type of a laboratory-processed restoration placed in a tooth when the cavity is still within the confines of the tooth, while onlays are placed when some parts or the whole chewing surface of the tooth needs to be replaced.
Since inlays and onlays are laboratory-processed, they are imparted with wear-resistant and stain-resistant properties. Inlays and onlays can also be matched with the tooth’s natural color and can be produced with very intricate details such as grooves and special tinting. They can be made of porcelain or zirconia which look aesthetically pleasing and of metal if the location of the restoration is hidden and if the patient is willing.
Advantages
Not likely to discolor over time compared to tooth-colored resin fillings
Preserve as much healthy tooth as possible and work as an excellent alternative to a crown when the damaged area is minimal
An inlay is custom-made according to the preparation tooth by the dentist in comparison with a composite filling it shrinks in time, and leaks can occur.
Dental inlays are better at sealing teeth to keep out bacteria, therefore they are preferred when the cavity is in between teeth
Disadvantages
More costly than amalgam or composite fillings
The procedure is carried with two appointments instead of one visit
It is also prone to fracture
Type and kinds
While there are several types of inlays and onlays, gold is the best option but is usually placed in areas of the mouth that are not visible.
Porcelain, ceramic and resin are the kinds that dentists usually use for the front teeth.
source: Affinity Dental Clinic, Google