What are inlays, onlays, and overlays?

The restorative prostheses known as inlays, onlays, and overlays are intermediate between fillings and full crowns. For cavities that are too large for fillings but not too big to handle without crowns, these micro-dentures are the way to go. Due to the greater amount of healthy tooth structure that can be kept intact, this conservative treatment is favoured over crowns. These are indirect fillings whose names reflect which part of the tooth structure they are restoring. Dr Patel considers the size of the cavity, the health of the dental pulp and the opposing teeth, and the condition of the natural tooth walls when making his restoration choice between composite and amalgam fillings.

What is a dental inlay?

Dental inlays, a type of custom filling, may be used by Dr Patel to repair severely decayed or fractured teeth. It's a single piece of restoration manufactured to precisely match the contours of a cavity. The grooves and divots in the chewing surface of a tooth between the cusp tips can be filled in with an inlay. An inlay is used when a molar or premolar tooth is too weak to hold a filling. Their use is frequently suggested when a tooth has been severely damaged or has had extensive restoration. If previous fillings have broken, Dr Patel may recommend a dental inlay as an alternative.

Getting an inlay placed on a tooth is a simple and painless procedure. Your tooth will be numbed with a local anaesthetic before Dr Patel drills into it to remove the decay. Dr Patel will take a digital impression of your tooth's crown after cleaning the area and will send it to the laboratory for further work. Dental inlays are typically crafted from porcelain or composite resin to blend in with the tooth's natural shade. In addition to silver, gold can be used to cast an inlay. When it comes to fillings, gold inlays are the most expensive but also the most durable option. They are more long-lasting than traditional fillings and can restore teeth without anyone noticing.

What is a dental onlay?

Dental onlays are restorations used to fix broken or decayed teeth. When it comes to fixing cavities or other damage to teeth, onlays are a reliable and long-lasting option. Many positive outcomes are associated with these repairs. An onlay can be preferable to a crown or other dental restorations in certain circumstances. Dental onlays are intermediate between inlays and crowns in terms of size. These are slim enough to slide into the grooves but bulky enough to cover the entire tooth by wrapping over the cusps. Onlays can be made of porcelain, composite material, resin, or gold. When a tooth's cusp or biting surface has been severely damaged, a dental onlay may be used to restore the tooth's normal function.

On average, two visits to Dr Patel are needed to properly fit and position an onlay. During the first visit, Dr Patel will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area of your mouth that needs to be worked on. Your decayed or damaged tooth structure will be removed after the tooth has been numbed in preparation for the onlay. An impression of your tooth will be taken at this time and sent to the laboratory, where the final restoration will be fabricated. Finally, they will use a temporary onlay to safeguard your tooth until your next appointment. Once your onlay has been made, we'll contact you to set up the second appointment. Dr Patel will remove the temporary onlay, clean the tooth, bond the permanent restoration, and check the fit. The onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong dental cement, and then the tooth will be polished to match the rest of your teeth.

What is a dental overlay?

When the damage is moderate to substantial, an overlay is used. When an overlay is placed, it extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area of the biting surface. Overlays are not the same as crowns, despite the common misconception. The difference is primarily in the way the tooth is cleaned and polished. Placing an inlay, onlay, or overlay over a damaged tooth is similar to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Compared to crowns, less natural tooth structure needs to be removed, so they are preferable for long-term dental health.

Overlays can be made similarly to onlays. Once the decay is gone, an impression of the area will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory for restoration. Next, impressions are taken of your mouth, and a custom restoration is made from porcelain, gold, or composite resin. In the meantime, you'll wear a temporary restoration while your permanent one is being made. When your restoration is complete, it will be cemented onto the tooth, creating a permanent, natural-looking bond and a fully functional tooth.

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