Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are truly the best option for tooth fillings. They offer many potential benefits for treating tooth decay, including:

• Precise color matching
• Have the luster of natural tooth material
• Create a tight seal with tooth
• Swell and contract at a similar rate to natural material
• Highly durable–resistant to staining, wear, and erosion
• Restore strength to teeth

Dental inlays and onlays are made using the same materials and processes as porcelain veneers, so they can achieve the best, most natural results when restoring teeth. The ceramic even has the same translucent luster as tooth enamel. They can be indistinguishable from tooth enamel.

Because inlays and onlays are bonded to the natural teeth, they create a tight seal that keeps out oral bacteria and damaging liquids. And because the ceramic has a similar contraction rate to tooth material, it won’t break the seal, cause cracking, or lead to sensitivity.

The advanced ceramics used for inlays and onlays are highly durable. They resist staining because of their glazed surface, and their hardness makes them wear resistant. Acids can’t attack them, so they don’t get eroded, either.

In fact, the materials in inlays and onlays are so strong that they can restore strength lost in your tooth when it decayed. This makes them a great choice for larger fillings.

How Inlays and Onlays Work

Inlays and onlays are ceramic fillings precisely designed to restore damage caused by tooth decay (or, in rare cases, tooth trauma). The process begins when we detect decay in your teeth. We will then precisely remove the decay using one of our dental lasers.

Then we will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will provide precise guidance for the crafting of your inlay or onlay. They are sent off to the lab. You will get a temporary restoration to wear while your inlay or onlay is being crafted.

When your restoration is ready, you will come back into our office. We will remove the temporary restoration and check the inlay or onlay for color match and fit. If it’s acceptable, the restoration is bonded to your tooth.

Limitations of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are great restorations, but they’re not always ideal for every situation. Some of the reasons why you might not want to get inlays and onlays include:

• Expense
• Inadequate coverage
• Need to remove too much tooth enamel

Although they are high quality, porcelain inlays and onlays tend to be the most expensive filling option. And they only cover part of the tooth. For teeth that need more extensive protection and support, dental crowns are recommended.

They are also not right for small decayed areas. They have a minimum effective size, so they may require removal of too much enamel.

Find the Right Filling for You

Do you have decay on your teeth? Are you hoping to get quality results and find the proper filling for your situation? Please call (858) 271-1010 today for an appointment with Scripps Ranch restorative dentist Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi.