How Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Different?

Tooth inlays and onlays are used for dental restoration and can be a good alternative for a filling or a dental crown in some cases. But how are dental inlays and onlays different? Please read our article to learn more about both these treatment options and in what cases they are used. 

How Are Dental Inlays and Onlays Different?

In most cases, dental fillings are used for smaller cavities and dental crowns are used to restore and support a more severely decayed tooth. However, there are situations when a filling is not enough, and covering the whole tooth with a dental crown is too radical to achieve optimal results and preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. In such cases, your dentist might choose an onlay or an inlay.

Both dental inlays and onlays are typically used to repair molars and premolars when the teeth are significantly damaged. In most cases, both onlays and inlays are made of tooth-colored porcelain or ceramics, which allows them to be inconspicuous in the mouth. Inlays and onlays can also be made of resin composite or gold.

The main difference between the two methods of treatment is what part of the tooth they are going to cover and how extensive the tooth damage is. 

What Are Dental Inlays?

Inlays are used when the surface of the tooth sustains damage, and the cavity is in the center or within the grooves of the tooth. Your dentist will most likely choose an inlay when a smaller part of the tooth needs restoration but is still too large to use a dental filling.

What Are Dental Onlays?

Onlay can cover up to about 35% of the tooth’s structure and is mainly used when the cavity is more extensive and spreads to the tooth’s biting surface or edge. It is also sometimes referred to as a partial crown.

The Procedure of Getting an Inlay or an Onlay

The procedure begins with your dentist cleaning out the decay in the tooth. If a previous dental restoration is present, they will remove it at this time. Then, impressions of your tooth will be made and sent to the lab, where your dental restoration will be made. While you are waiting for your inlay or onlay to be made, you will be given a temporary filling. During your next visit, the onlay or inlay will be fitted and bonded to your tooth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

There are several reasons to choose dental onlay or inlay as a method of treatment:

• Inlays and onlays tend to last longer—for up to 30 years—compared to dental fillings.
• Inlays and onlays do not weaken the tooth structure over time as much as traditional fillings can.
• Unlike dental crowns, inlays and onlays do not require reshaping the tooth. Thus, they allow the preservation of a more significant part of the natural tooth.
• Inlays and onlays strengthen the structure of the tooth.

Dental Inlay Versus Dental Filling

Inlays are used for much larger cavities than dental fillings. In both methods of treatment, an existing decay is removed first. However, covering the cleaned area with a filling is faster since it can be done immediately in a dental office. A dental inlay has to be custom-made in the lab before it can be fitted to the tooth.

An advantage of inlays compared to dental fillings is that they do not contract over time as much as fillings do. Thus, an inlay is much less likely to fall out. Also, inlays are typically more durable than dental fillings.

Dental Onlay Versus Dental Crown

A dental crown covers up to 75% of the natural tooth—the entire tooth structure above the gumline—and, in most cases, requires tooth reshaping to be fitted. Dental crowns are more suitable when a large part of the tooth is damaged and needs much support and reinforcement. 

On the other hand, onlay can be used when a significant part of the tooth is still intact. They are used when only about 35% of the tooth needs treatment and restoration.

Make an Appointment Today

If you need tooth restoration services, do not hesitate to contact Samaritan Dental today and make an appointment with a dentist in Los Angeles. In our dental office, we use modern treatment techniques and equipment and high-quality restoration materials to deliver reliable results. Our specialists are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to our office.