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INLAY / ONLAY
Inlay and onlay fillings are similar to traditional fillings, but the area that needs to be filled is larger than that of a standard filling. The dentist will create the filling material as an external piece in the lab, which will fit perfectly into the prepared cavity. This allows for the fitting and testing of the filling material against the walls and edges of the prepared cavity before it is cemented in place. The difference between inlays and onlays is that inlays fill the inside of the tooth area, while onlays cover more surfaces and angles of the tooth. The materials used for inlays and onlays include porcelain, gold, and composite resin.
Advantages of Inlay and Onlay Fillings
- Provides aesthetic appeal with a color close to natural teeth
- Stronger than direct dental fillings
- An alternative to dental crowns in cases where tooth problems are not severe
- Reduces the rate of material shrinkage after light curing, minimizing or eliminating tooth sensitivity after restoration
- Long-lasting
- In cases requiring multiple or large restorations, materials can be prepared outside the mouth, reducing treatment time
- Materials can be polished outside the mouth, preventing heat or danger from grinding materials inside the oral cavity