In the very beginning, inlays were used instead of fillings to replace a part of the tooth that has been damaged by decay. Dental inlays and Onlays are the restorations used to reconstruct the rear teeth. Especially teeth that have little or mild corrosion. Furthermore, inlays and Onlays are also used to restore the cracked or ruptured teeth if their damage doesn’t require a dental crown.
Inlays and Onlays are referred to as such because of the position they take in the mouth. They are prepared outside the mouth and laid in or laid on a particular part of the tooth that needs covering. This means that inlays and Onlays are formed or created in a dental lab before being fixed to the tooth. With a template, the dentist makes a mold of the tooth.
Are there any differences between inlays and Onlays? The significant difference is their positioning. An inlay is placed within the center of the tooth. That is why it is called an “INLAY,” as it seems to go inside the tooth. But the onlay is placed on the cusps and points of the tooth. The onlays have a little bit of resemblance with the tooth crowns of those days. The essential advantage of inlays and onlays is that they eliminate the need for an expensive tooth crown.
Inlays are onlaysis only used when there is little damage to the tooth. They aren’t used for major dental procedures. Inlays and Onlays lock out bacteria and help restore that smile you’ve been missing.
What are the Components of Inlays And Onlays?
Porcelain, composite resin, and even gold are popular components of inlays and Onlays. Also, we have ceramic inlays too. Ceramic inlays are used as esthetic alternatives to materials like amalgam and other metallic materials to repair damaged teeth. However, we have only limited clinical data about adhesive inlays and Onlays.
What Are The Advantages Of Inlays And Onlays?
It is pivotal to note that Inlays and Onlays are made from long-lasting tooth-colored porcelain. This means that they probably look better than your natural teeth and offer a better and natural effect. The dentist bonds them to the tooth’s surface. This bonding process adds strength to the tooth surface and also prevents bacteria from entering the cavities.
Unlike metal fillings or any other fillings, Inlays and Onlays would not expand or contract due to the temperature of your food or your drinks. If you want a natural-looking tooth and a good set of smiles, inlays and Onlays are the best options.
Inlays and Onlays are almost invisible because the materials used to look so much like a real tooth. They are tooth-colored materials. If you’re looking to strengthen your teeth by 75%, you should use Inlays and Onlays.
Problems of Metallic Fillings and Amalgam Fillings
In those days, amalgam fillings were the only available options for tooth cavities. Although they were effective, not everyone who had them done was comfortable with it. Ceramic alternatives came into play. But the downsides of the ceramic options were a major concern. The metallic aftertaste from the ceramic filings makes it uncomfortable for patients.
Temperature changes on the inside and outside of the mouth was another major factor we couldn’t overlook. Patients who had the amalgam filling complained a lot about it. When they drink something cold or hot, the metal amalgam will react by expanding or constricting itself painfully. What is worse is that they would pull away from the tooth they are to protect after cooling. Thereby letting in all kinds of bacteria.
Going Metal-Free
Instead of inlays being crammed into the tooth, like before, the metal inlays are cemented in place. These inlays are molded to fit perfectly into your tooth. We have been able to go metal-free for your onlays. We now have custom-molded onlays, that are used to cover the entire chewing surface of the teeth. Placing it at the cusp tips makes it very stable and hard to break off like the custom metal tooth crowns. You might only need two visits to the dentist to get this done.
Benefits of Porcelain And Ceramic
In past times, most people would have put off having their teeth seen when they had cavities or when a tooth cracks. What was the reason behind this? The process of adding fillings to the tooth requires drilling into the tooth. It was a frightening process, and even after it was completed, they looked ugly.
The porcelain crowns or ceramic implants are now regular options for people because they are. The days of metallic crowns are over! The advancements in cosmetic and dental services have made this possible.
The durability of Inlays And Onlays
All things being equal, the life span for Inlays and Onlays is 10 years. This means that you can have an inlay in your tooth for 10 years without having any issues. However, the durability of the inlay and onlays depends on the following factors:
– The material used in making the inlays or Onlays
– The teeth on which the procedure is carried out
– Chewing forces
– Good oral hygiene.
Direct versus Indirect inlays and Onlays
The direct inlays and onlays require the doctor to remove the decay suffered by the tooth. Then he/she would shape the tooth to its perfect form. It would require the dentist to mold the tooth while placing a composite resin on it. He/she then removes the resin and hardens it in a specified oven. The next procedure would require him/her to cement the inlay onto the tooth. The dentist also polishes the cemented inlay. These can be done in one visit.
For indirect inlays and onlays, the doctor removes the decay and then makes an impression on the prepared tooth and the neighboring teeth. You would be given a temporary filling to be released in your second visit. The dentist takes the impression to the lab and creates an exact fit. He does a little bit of reshaping and adjusting. Then cements the inlay or onlay on the tooth and polishes it. You’ll be needing at least two visits to have an indirect inlay or onlay installed.
I have had dental onlays and they seem to have worked for me. Unfortunately I have had many problems with my teeth.