What is the difference between Inlays, Onlays and Crowns?

• Inlays are designed to complete a defect inside your tooth.
• Onlays are designed to cover and protect portions of the outer surface of your tooth.
• A crown is a “cap” and designed to cover and protect your whole tooth.

What types of teeth troubles are inlays and onlays used to treat?

Inlays and onlays are designed to restore larger cavities and provide a more durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration. Conventional fillings are designed to repair smaller cavities and defects in your teeth and typically have a shorter lifespan than inlays and onlays.

What is the procedure to install my Inlays and Onlays entails?

The procedure is very similar to a regular cavity filling. After removing the diseased and decayed structure of the tooth, the cavity shape is designed to receive the restoration. Impressions are then made and a temporary restoration is placed. The final restoration is fabricated in the dental laboratory to precisely match your tooth color and structure. In the second visit, the inlay or onlay is finely adjusted to fit the tooth and bite and then permanently bonded onto the tooth.

What are the materials used in Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be fabricated from ceramic (porcelain) or gold. Porcelain is very durable and can easily match your tooth color and characteristics precisely. Some patients prefer gold inlays and onlays on their back teeth due to the long and documented history in the use of gold restorations. Many gold restorations have lasted for over 30 years!

What are the benefits of Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are a far more precise and durable restoration, offering a longer lifespan and better preservation of your teeth structure.

What are the risks of inlays and onlays?

Inlay and onlay procedures typically carry the same risk as traditional restorations and do not carry any excessive risk. Inlays and onlays are a more conservative treatment alternative to crowns

What are the alternatives to inlays and onlays?

Conventional fillings are the most common alternative to inlays and onlays. Conventional filling are more affordable but do not provide the expected superior aesthetics and lifespan of inlays and onlays

How much do Inlays and Onlays cost?

Inlays and onlays cost is similar to the cost of porcelain veneers and crowns. They typically cost more than a regular filling but will also last much longer and surpass traditional fillings in durability and functionality.

What are the post-treatment limitations?

No specific post treatment limitations have been noted. Like any other bonded restoration including crowns, patients are advised not to use the treated tooth for 24 hours. After 24 hours most patients can expect to and are encouraged to resume normal activities. Occasionally, some post treatment sensitivity may be experienced; these typically subside within one to two weeks.

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