When it comes to dental restoration, inlays, and onlays are two options that are used to repair teeth that are damaged due to decay or trauma. Both are considered conservative treatments since they preserve more of the natural tooth structure compared to a crown or bridge.
What are Inlays
and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, meaning they
are made in a dental laboratory and then cemented onto the tooth. They are
typically made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold.
Inlays: An
inlay is a restoration that is placed within the grooves of a tooth. It is used
to repair a small area of decay or damage that is too large for a filling, but
not big enough for a crown. Inlays are a great option when the damage is
limited to the tooth's biting surface.
Onlays: An
onlay, also known as a partial crown, is a restoration that covers one or more
of the cusps (the raised areas on the biting surface of the tooth). It is used
to repair larger areas of decay or damage that extend beyond the biting surface
of the tooth. Onlays are a good alternative to a crown when more tooth
structure can be preserved.
Benefits of Inlays
and Onlays Both inlays and onlays offer several benefits:
Preserve tooth structure: Inlays and onlays are
conservative restorations that preserve more of the natural tooth structure
compared to a crown or bridge.
Durable:
Inlays and onlays are made of strong materials that can withstand normal
chewing and biting forces. With proper care, they can last for many years.
Aesthetically
pleasing: Inlays and onlays can be matched to the natural colour of your
teeth, making them virtually undetectable.
Easy to maintain:
Inlays and onlays are easy to clean and maintain, just like your natural teeth.
How are Inlays and
Onlays Placed?
Getting an inlay or onlay typically requires two
appointments.
First Appointment:
During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing
any decay or damage. An impression/scan of the tooth is then taken, which is sent to
a dental laboratory to fabricate the inlay or onlay. A temporary restoration is
placed on the tooth to protect it until the final restoration is ready.
Second
Appointment: At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is
removed, and the inlay or onlay is placed onto the tooth. Your dentist will
check the fit and make any necessary adjustments before cementing it in place.
Once the restoration is secured, your bite will be checked to ensure proper
alignment.
In conclusion, inlays and onlays are excellent solutions
for restoring teeth that have been chipped or decaying. They are durable,
aesthetically pleasing, and preserve more of the natural tooth
structure. The best dental clinic in Ahmedabad, Teeth Care Centre®, is
renowned for incorporating the most recent dental technologies. As a result, we
use cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology to design and create a custom inlay or
onlay. This means you can leave the dental office with a fully aesthetically
restored tooth.
