Inlays & Onlays
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are strong and last longer than fillings. They are most suitable for large restorations on the back teeth.
What are crowns made of?
A dental inlay is typically made from porcelain or composite material. Porcelain inlays are very durable and can match the color of your natural teeth. They are often used to repair front teeth because of their natural appearance. Composite inlays are also tooth-colored, but they are not as strong as porcelain and are typically used on back teeth.
Looking after your dental inlay
Like dental bridges, dental inlays are a long-term investment and requires good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental check-ups to ensure their longevity.
What are inlays and onlays?
A dental inlay is a type of dental restoration that is used to repair and strengthen a tooth that has been damaged or decayed. It is similar to a filling, but it is custom-made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth.
An impression of the tooth is taken once the decay and damaged tooth has been cleared. This records the shape of the tooth being repaired and the teeth around it. A temporary inlay will be placed to protect the tooth while the laboratory makes the inlay. On the next visit the inlay will be bonded to the tooth and slight adjustments will be made to the bite if necessary.
An onlay is positioned on the tooth and builds up its shape. The process of making an onlay is the same as the inlay.
What are Inlays & Onlays made of?
The tooth will be prepared to the ideal shape of the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface of the tooth leaving a core. The thickness of the crown will be the same as the amount of tooth that has been removed.
Once the tooth is shaped an impression of the prepared tooth will be taken and one of the opposite jaw and another to mark the way you bite. All the impressions will be sent to the technician to reproduce a crown that fits the tooth. A visit to the laboratory will be needed to match the colour of the crown to the existing teeth. The prepared tooth will have a temporary crown fitted until the new crown is ready.
The treatment takes two visits to the surgery.
