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When over 1/2 of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These custom fabricated restorations are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay, but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.
Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.
How are they applied?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the inlay/onlay by removing the filling or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. Your Doctor will then fabricate a temporary restoration on the tooth and schedule the next appointment.
At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed. The Doctor will first make sure that the inlay or onlay fits correctly. When the fit is perfected, the inlay or onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin adhesive and polished to a smooth finish.
Considerations
Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, being bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. As a result, they can last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, but is too great for a filling to safely provide support, onlays can provide an excellent alternative.
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