Inlays and onlays are both effective dental reconstruction option in cases where regular fillings or crowns aren't appropriate.
What are dental inlays?
Dental inlays (also known as dental onlay) are a natural-looking dental filling.
ProActive Dental Studio in Surrey BC does tooth enamel repair work along with fillings, inlays and other dental procedures.
Aesthetic inlays are natural looking fillings. They are most often done to replace large, amalgam (silver) fillings.
Are inlays durable?
Aesthetic inlays can be made from either composite or porcelain and are now strong enough to be placed in the back teeth.
What are the advantages of inlays?
Aesthetic inlays offer you all the benefits of a filling, while maintaining the natural beauty of your smile.
Replacing old silver fillings with aesthetic inlays can help you regain that natural beauty for years to come.
What are dental onlays?
A dental onlay is bigger than a filling, but not quite as big as a crown.
An onlay works like an inlay, but it covers one or more of the cusps, or even the entire biting surface of the tooth. Since they cover so much area on the tooth, onlays are sometimes also called partial crowns.
Are onlays durable?
Dental onlays are more durable, and typically last longer, than a regular dental filling. However, like with any dental restoration, they may still weaken the tooth's structure.
If cared for properly, dental onlays can last for up to 30 years.
What are the advantages of onlays?
Placing a dental crown involves removing significant amounts of the tooth structure, and shouldn't be done unless necessary.
When a tooth is damaged to the extent that a filling would not be enough, but not so damaged that it requires a crown, an only is a good alternative.