Everything You Need to Know: Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that replace missing or damaged tooth structures. The restorations are composed of porcelain, which is matched the natural color of your teeth.

Inlays and onlays can be used to treat cavities or to replace old metal fillings. The fillings treat decay, prevent further decay, and restore the affected tooth.

Are Inlays and Onlays Right for Me?

Inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair rear teeth. If you have a damaged tooth that need to be protected, inlays and onlays can be the best choice for you. Both are made of composite resin material, but onlays cover one or more cusps (points) of a tooth, while inlays only cover a portion of a tooth. Onlays are also sometimes referred to as “partial crowns,” while inlays are sometimes called “direct fillings.”

If your cavity is reaching the nerve of your tooth, you may benefit from an inlay or onlay. These dental restorations are custom made at the dental lab to fit your mouth and your tooth. The process takes two appointments. At your first appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and prepare your tooth to receive the inlay or onlay. At your second appointment, your dentist will bond the restoration to your tooth.

What Should I Expect If I Choose to Have Inlays or Onlays?

The difference between inlays and onlays is that inlays fit between the teeth, while onlays fit over teeth. Because these restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory, inlays and onlays are called indirect fillings. Indirect fillings can help protect teeth from the effects of chewing and biting. That’s because inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, a durable material that is highly resistant to wear. As a result, these restorations are longer lasting than traditional dental fillings.

Inlays and onlays can also be used to repair teeth that are damaged due to trauma. In addition, inlays and onlays can be used to cover dental fillings that have become worn over time.

Additionally, they require less tooth preparation than dental crowns. This means less enamel needs to be removed before they can be placed.

Silicon Valley Dental Care, located in San Jose, CA  is equipped with the best dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care treatments for the patients. Call us at (408) 224-1333 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more.