Inlays and onlays

LET’S START WITH INLAYS.

Inlays are a tooth restoration process using a custom made filling made of tooth-coloured porcelain. Inlays can be utilized to conservatively repair teeth that have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Inlays are an ideal alternative to conventional silver and composite fillings.

WHY CHOOSE AN INLAY?

Inlays are more conservative than crowns because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of inlays. Porcelain inlays are popular because they resemble your natural tooth. A porcelain inlay is made in a single appointment to the clinic and is permanently cemented into the tooth by your dentist.

As with most dental restorations, inlays are not always permanent and may someday require replacement. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

REASONS FOR INLAY RESTORATIONS:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN INLAY?

At inlay appointment the damaged tooth will be shaped and polished to retain the healthy strong part of the tooth. The dentist shapes and prepares the tooth for mould. Sent to lab a piece of porcelain to fit the prepared tooth. This is then cemented onto the tooth. Want to know more? Click here to see more tooth repair options.

ONLAY RESTORATIONS:

An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of tooth-coloured porcelain. An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. Porcelain onlays are made in the dental clinic and are permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.

Onlays are essentially identical to inlays with the exception that one or more of the chewing cusps have also been affected and need to be included in the restoration.