Onlays

Inlays and only are called indirect restorations because they’re prepared outside your teeth in a dental lab. The dentist examines your teeth and recommends inlays/ onlays if your cavity is too large for fillings. After assessing your teeth, the dentist takes a dental mold of your teeth and cavities, which are then sent to the dental laboratory for preparation. Once the inlays and onlays are prepared, the dentist attached them to your teeth to seal the cavities.

Dental inlays are attached within the cavity with prepared custom-made material. Depending on the cavity’s size, the dentist mills or casts the inlay material into shape, fitting them into the grooves of the cavity. Inlay restorations aren’t supposed to go over the tooth’s cusps.

Dental onlays are larger than dental inlays but still smaller than dental crowns. They are also attached within the dental cavity with prepared custom-made material, like porcelain. The dentist shapes the onlay to fit securely within the cavity or grooves of the tooth. Onlay restorations go over the tooth’s cusp.

As such, the greatest difference between inlays and onlays is one of size and depth. Inlays are comparatively small, used for cavities that don’t extend beyond the tooth’s cusp. Onlays are larger, used for cavities that extend beyond the cusps of the tooth.

• Durability: Inlays and onlays are a lot more durable and resistant to external pressures than dental fillings. They’re also more resistant to fractures, with a lower risk of coming off or breaking.
• Stain-Resistant: Inlays and onlays are made of stain-resistant materials. As such, you can consume all kinds of beverages without fear, your onlays won’t get discolored.
• Natural-Appearance: Porcelain onlays perfectly blend with the rest of your teeth, especially if the dentist ensures they have the same shade as your surrounding teeth. Porcelain also has the same color and texture as enamel, reflecting light similarly, making it indistinguishable from your teeth.
• Custom-Designed: Onlays and inlays are custom-designed in a dental laboratory to fit within your tooth’s structure.
• Longevity: Inlays and onlays can also last up to 30 years if you take care of them. However, in some cases, they may need replacement sooner.

• Dental Preparation: During your first session, the dentist prepares your teeth to receive the onlays and inlays. If you already have a dental filling, the dentist will remove the filling before proceeding. This is occasionally necessary if your filling is damaged or if the cavity spreads beyond the fillings. After the filling removal, the dentist will remove the decayed tissues and shape the cavity and tooth.
• Inlay/ Onlay Preparation: The dentist will take a mold of your current tooth and cavity and an impression of your tooth’s shade. The dentist will eventually send these impressions and dental mold to the dental laboratory for the onlay preparation.
• Temporary Filling: The dentist will need to seal the existing cavity while you wait for the inlays and onlays to be prepared. If they don’t seal the cavity, you may suffer from infection again. The inlay will also protect your tooth from sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Inlay/ Onlay Placement: Once the inlay or onlay is prepared, you’ll have to go for another session. The dentist will provide local anesthesia and remove the temporary filling. Following that, the dentist will attach the inlay or onlay in place with dental cement. After attaching the inlays and onlays, the dentist may make some final adjustments.