What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays? How They Differ from Crowns
When you have moderate tooth damage or decay, your dentist in Vancouver may recommend an inlay or onlay rather than a crown. Many people have never heard of these treatments and wonder how they work and how they are different from other treatments like fillings and crowns.
By knowing what inlays and onlays are, how they work, and when they’re recommended, you can make smart choices about your dental care. Most tooth-colored fillings and crowns are great choices between fillings and crowns. Inlays and onlays also require less of the healthy tooth to be scraped away.
What Are Dental Inlays?
An inlay is a restoration that fits inside the chewing surface of your tooth, replacing only the damaged or decayed part.
Key features of inlays:
- Custom-made in a laboratory based on your tooth
- Placed on the flat chewing surface of your tooth
- Replaces only the damaged area
- Bonded directly to your tooth
- Made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold
- Requires minimal removal of healthy tooth structure
- Provides a strong, durable restoration
Inlays are ideal when damage is only on the top surface of your tooth without affecting the pointed parts or sides.
What Are Dental Onlays?
An onlay is similar to an inlay but covers a larger area of your tooth.
Key features of onlays:
- Extends beyond the chewing surface to cover one or more pointed parts
- Covers damaged areas on the sides of your tooth
- Custom-made for your specific tooth
- Provides more coverage than an inlay
- Keeps more tooth structure than a crown
- Made from the same materials as inlays
- Protects larger areas while keeping tooth structure
Onlays work well when damage goes to the pointed parts or corners of your tooth but does not require full coverage.
How Inlays and Onlays Differ from Crowns
Understanding the differences helps you see why a dentist near you might recommend one restoration over another.
- Crowns cover your entire tooth from the gumline up. They require significant removal of healthy tooth structure. Crowns are necessary when extensive damage or decay affects most of the tooth.
- Inlays and onlays cover only the damaged part. They require minimal removal of healthy tooth structure. They are suitable when damage is limited to specific areas.
- Fillings repair small cavities and require minimal tooth preparation. They do not last as long as inlays or onlays. Fillings work for small to moderate damage.
The key difference is how much of your natural tooth remains. Inlays and onlays keep significantly more tooth structure than crowns while providing stronger protection than fillings.
The Inlay and Onlay Placement Process
Getting an inlay or onlay typically takes two appointments.
First appointment:
- Your tooth is numbed with local anesthesia
- The damaged or decayed part is removed
- Your tooth is shaped to prepare for the restoration
- An impression or digital scan is taken
- A temporary restoration protects your tooth
Second appointment:
- The temporary restoration is removed
- Your permanent inlay or onlay is tried in for fit and colour
- Adjustments are made if needed
- The restoration is bonded permanently to your tooth
- Your bite is checked for proper alignment
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays or onlays offers several good things.
Key benefits include the following:
- Keep more healthy tooth structure than crowns
- Provide strong, durable protection
- Last 10 to 30 years with proper care
- Look completely natural and match your tooth colour
- Do not require the extensive preparation of crowns
- Are more affordable than crowns
- Provide better long-term tooth health
- Restore full chewing function
These restorations offer an excellent balance between keeping tooth structure and providing reliable protection.
Caring for Your Inlay or Onlay
Proper care keeps your restoration healthy and long-lasting.
Guidelines for Care:
- Brush your teeth two times a day.
- Use floss every day around the restoration.
- Don’t eat very hard or sticky foods.
- Do not use your teeth as tools
- Attend regular dental check-ups
- Report any discomfort or damage right away
With good care, your inlay or onlay will serve you well for many years.
Preserve Your Tooth and Restore Function Visit City Square Dental Center
Inlays and onlays offer an excellent way to restore your tooth while keeping as much healthy tooth structure as possible. These restorations provide strength, durability, and natural appearance without requiring the extensive preparation of a crown. At City Square Dental Center, our experienced team specializes in creating custom inlays and onlays that fit perfectly and look beautiful. We take time to explain your restoration choices and help you pick the best solution for your specific needs. Our skilled dentists use the latest technology to make sure the fit is precise, and the results are excellent. Contact us today to discuss whether an inlay or onlay is right for you.
FAQs
Q1: What is the lifespan of inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are estimated to last between 10-30 years. The exact duration largely depends on the components used, along with your upkeep of them. With good maintenance, things can last longer.
Q2: Are inlays and onlays more expensive than fillings?
Yes, inlays and onlays cost more than fillings because they are custom-made and last much longer. However, they are usually less expensive than crowns.
Q3: Can inlays and onlays be repaired if damaged?
Small damage can sometimes be repaired. However, if significant damage occurs, replacement may be necessary. Your dentist determines whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
Q4: Is the procedure painful?
No. Your tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before treatment, so you should feel no pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not discomfort.
Q5: How long does the process take?
The process takes two appointments about one to two weeks apart. The first appointment takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and the second appointment takes 30 to 45 minutes.
