What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays are smaller restorations. They go between the cusps on top of the teeth and restore areas that were damaged or lost from a cavity, but they are bigger than a regular filling that we place in the office.
Onlays, however, are bigger. They go on top of the teeth where the cusps are. If we have damaged cusps that we need to remove, or if they're undermined and thin and we think they're going to break, we'll remove those and replace them with an onlay that goes on top of the tooth. Onlays are bonded to the tooth.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
The difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an inlay goes inside the tooth. It does not cover the cusps of the tooth. An onlay, however, covers one or more cusps.
How are inlays and onlays different from a regular filling?
Inlays and onlays are different from a regular filling because they are lab-made. They are not as aggressive as a crown, but they are still made in a lab from ceramic material. Although we do have newer filling materials that are also ceramic-based, fillings are done and cured in the office, and you leave with your restoration.
Inlays and onlays, however, require a temporary restoration before we receive the final restoration from the lab and place it on your tooth.
How are inlays and onlays different from a dental crown?
Inlays and onlays are different from a regular crown based on how many surfaces they cover. A crown goes around the tooth and on top of the tooth. It covers the entire circumference of the tooth. Inlays and onlays are either inside the tooth where the valleys are or cover the cusps and valleys. Crowns go all around the tooth, but inlays and onlays do not cover all the surfaces of the tooth.
When do you recommend inlays and onlays instead of fillings and crowns?
Sometimes we recommend inlays and onlays instead of fillings and crowns. An inlay can replace a filling if the restoration is getting too big for filling material to withstand the forces on the tooth. In those cases, we may recommend an inlay instead of a filling.
If the damage to the tooth is large enough that it affects the cusps, we may recommend an onlay. But if there is more extensive damage and an inlay or onlay is not sufficient, then we may have to do a dental crown, which goes all around the tooth to cover all the surfaces. That may be necessary if the damage involves more surfaces than an inlay or onlay can cover.
What materials are inlays and onlays made of?
Inlays and onlays can be made of ceramic or gold. Those are the two materials we use in our office for inlays and onlays. Ceramic inlays and onlays can be matched to the natural teeth around them to help them fit seamlessly within your smile.
Is getting an inlay or an onlay painful?
Getting an inlay or an onlay is like many other restorative dental procedures. We use local anesthetic to help keep our patients comfortable throughout the process.
How many appointments does it take to get an inlay or an onlay?
Getting an inlay or an onlay requires two appointments. At the first appointment, we prepare the tooth for the restoration. At the next appointment, we deliver and cement or bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth.
What is the process for getting an inlay or an onlay?
At the first appointment, we bring our patients in, go through our regular process, numb the tooth, and take an impression before doing any restoration. Then we prepare the tooth for an inlay or an onlay and provide a temporary restoration for the patient to go home with.
When the patient comes back for the second appointment, we numb the area again if needed and place the inlay or onlay. If it's gold, we cement it. If it's ceramic, we bond it to the tooth.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Like any other restorative material or procedure, inlays and onlays can last a long time. We need to make sure that our patients take care of their teeth and restorations at home and keep up with their regular cleanings. We also recommend avoiding hard or very chewy foods that could damage or dislodge the restoration.
Inlays and onlays are stronger and harder than regular filling materials, which is why we may recommend them when filling materials may not be able to withstand the forces on the tooth. Inlays and onlays can also help preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared with crowns because they require less tooth preparation.
What special care is required after getting an inlay or an onlay?
After getting an inlay or an onlay, we recommend avoiding very crunchy or hard foods that could break or fracture the restoration or your natural tooth. You also don't want to have anything extremely chewy that could dislodge or debond the inlay or onlay. We also recommend that patients who are heavy clenchers or grinders wear night guards to help protect their inlays and onlays.
Can inlays and onlays fall out?
Inlays and onlays can sometimes come out and need to be replaced or re-cemented. This can happen if there was contamination during the bonding process or if decay develops underneath the restoration and affects the bond.
Does dental insurance cover inlays and onlays?
Many dental insurance plans may cover some of the cost of inlays and onlays. We would have to consult with your insurance provider to determine what your specific benefits cover.
How do I find out if I need an inlay or an onlay?
If you want to find out if you need an inlay or an onlay, my recommendation is to come in for an exam or consultation so we can determine what's appropriate for your specific needs.
If you’re looking for dental care you can trust, call us at (310) 499-2048 or email [email protected]. We’re here to help you have the smile you've always wanted!