|
Inlays
and Onlays are used to restore back teeth that
require large fillings. If the broken or decayed
part of a tooth is too large then a white filling
is not always possible. An onlay covers either
one or all the cusps (points) of a tooth while
an inlay would be more like a filling. They are
stronger than white fillings but still allow excellent
aesthetics. They are bonded on to the remaining
tooth structure. Each inlay and onlay is hand
made in a laboratory to either match and fit your
existing teeth. There are several types of inlay
available, each type being suitable for different
situations.
Types
of inlays and onlays
Inlays
and onlays are able to be made from a variety
of materials including porcelain, gold, and tooth-coloured
composite resin.
These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of
the tooth. An inlay is used inside the cusp tips
of the tooth, whereas an onlay extends over one
or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been
the material of choice for inlays and onlays.
 
In recent years,
with advanced technology, ceramic (or
porcelain) has become the material of
choice because of the natural appearance, strength
and ability to bond directly to enamel.
 
Composite
resin inlays or onlays are also popular
today because they are kinder to opposing natural
dentition than porcelain and once bonded in place
their strength compares with porcelain.
 
The Problem
- Any level of decay on a portion
of any tooth
- Need for a long-term, durable
restoration
- Desire to limit the amount of
healthy tooth structure removed
 Need to strengthen and
reinforce tooth
The
Inlays and Onlays Procedure
Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and
a highly accurate impression or mold is made of
the prepared surface. This mold is used to create
a model of the tooth which is then sent to a special
laboratory that will create a gold or porcelain
(tooth colored) restoration called an inlay or
onlay. The inlay or onlay is then cemented into
the prepared surface of the tooth.
An inlay covers only
one or two surfaces of the tooth and is used to
restore a small amount of decay. An onlay actually
covers one or more cusps (the chewing surface
of the tooth.)
 
Advantages:
Porcelain offers a fine alternative to other tooth
restoration materials. Made to perfectly match
the shade and shape of your teeth, it's durable,
it's strong, and it's virtually undetectable.
Inlays and onlays
are incredibly strong due to the fact that they
are created in a laboratory. This protects the
tooth from fracturing and actually strengthens
the tooth. In addition, inlays and onlays fit
almost perfectly into the prepared surface of
the tooth, reducing the size of the seam between
the restoration and the tooth. This helps keep
decay from eventually occurring under the restoration.
Inlays and onlays
require the removal of only decayed areas of the
tooth, leaving more healthy tooth structure intact.
This can help prevent the expense of root canal
therapy in the future.
Disadvantages:
Due to the fact that they are crafted in a laboratory,
inlays and onlays require a greater initial investment
than regular fillings. However, in the long run,
inlays and onlays are a better investment than
fillings due to their extremely long life and
highly accurate fit. Gold inlays and onlays generally
have a greater long term durability than porcelain
inlays and onlays.
|
Alternatives:
In cases of extensive decay, crowns are the only
alternative.
A well made inlay
or onlay which closely matches your existing tooth
can give you the confidence to laugh and smile
without worrying that anyone will realise that
it is there. We want your dentistry to look great,
feel great and stay healthy for many yearsWhite
fillings allow us to restore decayed or broken
potions of your teeth almost invisibly. They have
contributed much to dentists ability to improve
smiles.
................................................................. Go to Top ................................................................
|
Home 
Contact Us 
Partnership 
Site Map 
