Inlays and onlays are used as an alternative method of filling large cavities. They are durable and very strong. They allow you to truly strengthen the tooth, the surface of which has a large loss of tooth tissue. This is a modern technology that makes traditional fillings seem very imperfect.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlay and onlay fillings are solutions related to dental crowns. They are a special type of fillings
made of composite load-bearing elements and a porcelain finish. Thanks to the individual fit and the use of modern materials, they are distinguished by durability.
In both cases, the dentist prepares the crown of the tooth, and the prosthetist prepares individually tailored fillings that will coincide with the natural crown of the tooth. It cannot be achieved using traditional techniques.
Advantages of inlay and onlay
Inlay and onlay are methods that in many respects are superior to the technology of traditional dental fillings.
- Inlays and onlays allow for the actual strengthening of the tooth in such a way that it is still able to functionally transfer pressure forces during chewing food.
- Both methods restore the surface of the tooth together with the nodules, which translates into the recovery of full functions.
- Unlike the crown, they later form an integral part of the tooth.
- They are very durable – they last many years longer than traditional composite fillings.
- They allow to recreate the tangent points forming the chewing surface.
- Onlays as a prosthetic solution used for extensive cavities, called overlay, allows you to recreate not only the chewing surface but also the side surfaces.
These are modern fillings, the advantages of which result from their physical properties. Crowns and inlays ensure that the forces generated during biting are evenly distributed, which eliminates the problem of weakening teeth and enlarging cavities.
What are the differences between inlay and onlay?
Inlay and onlay are fundamentally different technologies. Inlay is input, onlay and overlay are placed on the teeth, which suggests for which defects they will be used. The inlay reaches up to the slopes of the chewing cusps, the onlay also covers their tops, while the overlay can also cover their outer slope even near adjacent teeth. As for
the construction, it is similar in all cases: the materials are identical, but the shape and size of the fillings are different.
What does the inlay/onlay filling look like?
The procedure of installing inlay and onlay fillings requires two visits. Of course, excluding those during which healing procedures and protection against caries recurrence are performed.
At the first visit, the cavities are cleaned of caries, their impressions are prepared, and the dentist determines the color of the fillings with the patient. Damaged teeth are secured using a temporary filling, then appropriate prosthetic restorations are prepared in the prosthetic laboratory based on the impressions taken.
On the second visit, the inlays or onlays are attached to a special cement. This is a fairly time-consuming procedure, but because it reflects the shape of the crown of the tooth, it needs to be done very carefully.
The application of this type of solution takes place after the completion of root canal treatment, after closing the foci of caries, and controlling gum diseases or other changes in the oral cavity.
Inlays and onlays – indications
Inlays and onlays for patients with large defects are prepared in the prosthetic laboratory. It does not matter what the origin of the defects is.
- Inlay is used after extensive root canal treatment. The use of composite materials allows you to strengthen the tooth after such a procedure.
- Onlay is useful in the case of large cavities caused by chipping of the tooth, onlay is also used for very extensive caries.
A large part of the tooth surface can be rebuilt with each of the aforementioned types of fillings. If the loss of tooth tissue is significant, then regardless of whether the reason is root canal treatment or another cause, one of these methods can be used.
Inlays and onlays – contraindications
Inlays and onlays cannot be applied if only the thin walls of the tooth remain after root canal treatment. They also cannot be used if the tooth is not seated properly or remains unstable. All of these cosmetic fillings require proper support if they are to carry the significant forces that are associated with the masticatory apparatus. Without the appropriate pillar, they cannot be used. In such a case, you need to use a full prosthetic crown to rebuild it.
Inlays and onlays cannot be used on teeth other than premolars and molars. In this case, the reason is the same: a really solid insert is placed in the tooth, which must have strong support.
Rebuild your teeth with us!
From the initial visit, through the preparation of the inlay based on the impression, to the follow-up visits: come to see us, find out what the treatment looks like, and decide on the inlays or onlays made by professionals. You will appreciate this type of filling for its durability, the return of all tooth functions, and great comfort. Don’t wait, book your first appointment at HCentrum now!
