Inlays
/ Onlays
Inlays and onlays, can be porcelain,
gold, or composite resin cast sections
that are bonded to the damaged
area of a tooth. An inlay is similar
to a filling and lies inside the
cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay
is a more extensive reconstruction
that covers one or more cusps of
a tooth.
Inlays and onlays are both traditionally
made of gold; however, porcelain
is now becoming the material of
choice because of its strength
and potential to match the natural
color of your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are applied in
two dental visits. At the first
visit, the old filling, or decay,
is removed, and the tooth is prepared
for the inlay / onlay. The dentist
will
Inlays and onlays are both traditionally
made of gold; however, porcelain
is now becoming the material of
choice because of its strength
and potential to match the natural
color of your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are applied in
two dental visits. At the first
visit, the old filling, or decay,
is removed, and the tooth is prepared
for the inlay / onlay. The dentist
will then make an impression of
the tooth, and send this impression
to a dental laboratory. This impression
will be used by the laboratory
to construct, a porcelain, or gold
inlay / onlay that will fit exactly
into your tooth. At this time the
dentist will place a temporary
sealant on your tooth and schedule
a second appointment.
At the second visit, the temporary
sealant is removed. Your dentist
will then ensure that the inlay
/ onlay fits properly in the tooth
and does not interfere with your
bit. Once correctly fit, the inlay
/ onlay is bonded into the tooth
with a strong bonding resin, and
polished smooth.
Considerations
Typically fillings can reduce the
strength of the tooth by up to
50%. Inlays and onlays, however,
because they are bonded directly
into the tooth with special resins,
can actually increase the strength
of the tooth by up to 75%; as a
result, they can last from 10-30
years, and in some cases, provide
a good alternative to a crown.
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