Inlays and onlays restore the function and health of smiles in West Hills Los Angeles, California
Most people have heard of dental fillings and dental crowns, but the majority of people are not quite familiar with options of inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are alternative treatment options when dental decay has caused more damage to the tooth to be restored by a simple filling and is not large enough to need a crown. Even though these options may be less familiar to the public, everyone should learn about these conservative yet versatile restorations. Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations which are a great replacement for the missing tooth structure due to decay and/or fracture and can be named as a partial crown where only the broken or decayed part of the tooth is prepared and the healthy part remains intact. Just like in the Goldilocks story, inlays and onlays can be the solution in many cases that is “just right”!
At Royal Dental Practice, Dr Shoffet performs an in-depth evaluation of each individuals’ teeth to make sure the appropriate solution is recommended to fit any patient specific needs, which may be an inlay or an onlay.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are similar to dental fillings in that they restore a portion of the tooth that is decayed or damaged, and they are similar to dental crowns in that they are made from a durable dental material – typically porcelain or composite resin or gold. These are custom-made after the tooth is prepared by your skilled dentist followed by dental impressions.
The difference between inlays and onlays
The key difference between inlays and onlays is how much of the tooth it covers:
- An inlay fits within the hollow of the tooth but does not affect the cusps (the pointy parts at the top of posterior teeth)
- An onlay repairs damage to the tooth cusps as well as the overall biting surface and is sometimes called a “partial crown” because it works very similarly but does not cover the entire surface of the tooth
What to expect with inlays and onlays
Getting inlays or onlays normally takes two appointments. In the first appointment, we prepare your tooth by gently drilling out and disinfecting the decayed areas. Then, we take dental impressions of the tooth so that your inlay or onlay can be custom-fabricated in a laboratory, and then we place a temporary inlay or onlay on the tooth to protect it and keep you comfortable while your restoration is being made. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, you will come back into the office and we will “try it on” to ensure it has the perfect fit, making any minor adjustments needed, and then bond it onto the tooth to restore its natural shape and function and protect it from further damage or decay. The results are outstanding.
Your partners in oral health
At Royal Dental Practice, we are devoted to providing personalized care based on every patient’s unique needs, and have particular expertise in providing care for older patients. To schedule your appointment at our West Hills Los Angeles, California dental practice, call us today at (818) 334-6655 or book your appointment online!
FAQs
Is an onlay better than a crown?
An Onlay and a crown are both types of dental restorations, but they differ in how much tooth coverage is needed. Dentists recommend onlays as a more conservative option when a tooth has significant decay, fracture and partial loss of structure, as they preserve more of the remaining tooth..
A crown fully covers the tooth structure and is usually recommended to protect a severely damaged or weakened tooth, such as after a root canal. An onlay covers a portion of the tooth, while the crown covers the entire tooth.
How long does an onlay last?
The Longevity of any restoration depends on multiple factors, such as how careful you are with your diet selection, but the truth is that onlay remains a great conservative and long-lasting option.
Can an onlay fall off?
Truthfully, any dental restoration can fail or come off if the dentist does not follow the prerequisite criteria specific to that procedure. An onlay once cemented in the tooth structure, is bonded to the underneath tooth structure, and the bond ability of the filling material underneath an onlay depends on the material underneath it. Therefore, the expert dentist will prepare the tooth diligently and select the ideal material under the onlay to ensure the success of an onlay.
What’s the difference between inlay and onlay?
The primary distinction between an onlay and an inlay is that the onlay only covers the cusps of the tooth, while the inlay fills the area between the cusp.
When is an inlay needed?
Dentists recommend inlays for several reasons, such as moderate to deep decay on back teeth, large fillings, and weakened tooth structures. Whenever a direct filling cannot adequately restore the tooth, an indirect restoration, like an inlay or onlay fabricated outside the mouth, becomes necessary.
What is the lifespan of an onlay?
Onlays can last 10 to 30 years, depending on the material used and how well they are maintained. Ceramic and composite onlays typically last around 10 to 15 years, while gold onlays can exceed 20 years. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like teeth grinding or chewing hard objects can extend their lifespan. Your dentist will provide guidance on maintaining your onlay for long-term durability.
