What Is the Main Difference between Onlays and Inlays in Dentistry?
Teeth may be damaged due to dental decay, trauma, or regular wear and tear. Fixing damaged teeth is vital for your smile and oral health. You have probably heard of dental crowns and fillings in tooth restoration. They are effective but sometimes are not ideal for repairing teeth. So, the dentist in Seminole may recommend getting dental inlays or onlays.
Inlays and Onlays are tooth restoration materials fabricated through advanced dental technology. They are made of materials like composite, ceramic, and gold. These restorations repair teeth too damaged for fillings but not too impaired to need a dental crown.
A dentist near you may recommend them to help strengthen a tooth’s structure and prevent more damage. The dental expert will customize the inlays and onlays. They must match the other teeth in color for a seamless appearance. The significant difference between inlays and onlays is how much of a tooth they restore. Continue reading for more differences between inlays and onlays.
Inlays vs. Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are fabricated from similar materials but repair the tooth differently. A small part of the tooth structure is removed during placing inlays and onlays near you. Both are manufactured as a single solid piece customized to fit the specific size of a cavity.
Onlays repair damages or cavities located within the cusps in a tooth. These tooth restorations resemble traditional fillings but are more durable and extensive. On the other hand, onlays fix all damages to a tooth. They include those on the tooth cusps and between the cusps. The restorations are used to repair teeth that are severely damaged.
Onlay vs. Dental Crown
Inlays and dental crowns repair cavities, fractures, and other dental damages. However, a crown completely covers the tooth surface, while an onlay covers only the damaged portion of the tooth. For example, the dentist in 33778 will use dental crowns to repair large or worn fillings. However, the expert will use onlays to rebuild and reshape a damaged tooth.
Dentists use similar materials to create dental crowns and inlays. Onlays are more conservative than dental crowns. They preserve a more natural tooth structure. However, the procedure for placing dental crowns is more extensive and costly than getting dental onlays.
Inlays vs. Dental Fillings
Inlays and dental fillings fix teeth cavities, but inlays are used for larger holes. During the restoration procedure, the decayed part of the tooth is drilled out and the space filled. However, the dental filling process is much quicker. The dentist will use either amalgam or composite material to fill the tooth.
When filling the tooth with an inlay, the procedure takes longer. The onlay is fabricated in a dental lab using the specifications from the patient’s tooth. It may be made out of a ceramic or gold material customized to fit perfectly in the space on the tooth. Inlays are more rigid and more durable than dental fillings.
Procedure for Dental Onlays and Inlays
The procedure for placing inlays and onlays requires two visits to a dentist in 33778. First, the dentist will examine your mouth and health records. This will help determine if onlays or inlays are suitable for you. Next, the dentist will numb your mouth using a local anesthetic to prevent pain if they are. Then, the dentist will remove the damaged tooth section.
Next, the dentist will take an impression of your tooth using 3D scanners and a dental wand. Then, they will transfer the images to the dental laboratory, where the onlay or inlay is created. Finally, your dentist will cover the drilled part of the tooth using a temporary inlay or inlay.
During the second visit, the dentist in Seminole will remove the temporary restoration. Then, they will place the permanent inlay or onlay on the part of the tooth to be repaired to determine the correct fit. Next, the dentist will use anesthetics to numb your mouth if the restoration fits correctly. Then, they will proceed to permanently attach the inlay or onlay to your tooth to restore it.
Only a dentist near you can ascertain if you need inlays and onlays by evaluating your teeth. Contact us at Dental Arts Seminole for dental restorations using inlays and onlays by our qualified dental experts.
