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An inlay is similar
to a filling and lies inside the cusp tips
of the tooth. They are custom-made to fit
the prepared cavity and are then cemented
into place. An onlay is a more extensive reconstruction
that covers one or more cusps of a tooth.
Onlays are indicated in situations where a
substantial reconstruction is required. However,
more of the tooth structure can be conserved
compared to the placement of a crown.
To repair damage to the tooths biting surface,
rather than using a simple filling, or a crown,
a dentist will often use an inlay, or an onlay.
Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain,
gold, or composite resin, although porcelain
is now becoming the material of choice because
of its strength and potential to match the
natural color of your tooth.
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To repair damage involving
over of the tooths biting surface, rather
than using a simple filling, or a crown, a
dentist will often use a porcelain inlay or
onlay.
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, now, porcelain is 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, your old
filling, or decay, is removed, and the tooth
is prepared for the inlay / onlay. Our
dental specialist will then make an impression
of the tooth, and send this impression to
our dental technician. This impression
will be used by our technician to construct,
a porcelain inlay / onlay that will fit exactly
into your tooth. At this time our dental
specialist will place a temporary sealant
on your tooth and schedule a second appointment
At the second visit, your temporary sealant
is removed. Our dentist will then ensure that
the inlay / onlay fits properly in the tooth
and does not interfere with your bite. Once
correctly fit, the inlay / onlay is bonded
into the tooth with a strong bonding resin,
and polished smooth.
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.
Clinical Cases |
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