Inlays and Onlays

Inlays & Onlays In Winter Park, Fl

On occasions a tooth may be too badly damaged to fill but not sufficiently enough to need a dental crown. In cases like these, your dentist might recommend a dental inlay or onlay. Made from gold, porcelain, or composite resin, they are bonded or attached to the surface area of the tooth in order to restore full bite function, while protecting it from further damage and/or decay.

In reality, cosmetic dental inlays and onlays are exactly the same type of restoration except they cover different areas of the tooth. An inlay for example fills the space between the biting areas of the teeth and fits 'in' the space where the damage is. Alternatively an onlay covers one or more of the external biting surfaces of the tooth, and as the name suggests fits 'on' or over the tooth surface. Because they can cover a larger area, dental onlays are also referred to as 'partial crowns'.

So How Are They Applied?

Both inlays and onlays require a two-visit procedure. During the first visit the damaged filling or decayed area of the tooth is removed. The site is then cleaned and prepared for the inlay/onlay. Next an impression is made of your bite and is sent to our laboratory where your inlays/onlays will be constructed. Once this is done our dentist will apply a temporary sealant while you await your permanent fixtures.

When your inlays/onlays are ready you'll be called back for the permanent fitting. Having checked for fit, the temporary sealant is removed and the inlay/onlay bonded to the tooth surface. Once attached, it's polished to a smooth finish and carefully examined to make sure no gaps are present.

So Why Choose Inlays Or Onlays?

While traditional fillings are cheaper, they can reduce the natural strength of a tooth by up to 50%. Conversely an inlay/onlay is made from a special high-strength resin which boosts the strength of the tooth by up to 75%. For this reason patients can expect their restorations to last anywhere between 10 and 30 years.