Inlays and Onlays

The mistakes of the past do not have to affect your present and future. You may have been remiss with brushing your teeth when you were young, but you now know better. Luckily for you, dental restorations are now possible. Dental restorations come in different sizes and shapes, but the more conservative forms of dental restorations are inlays and onlays. Dental restorations are actually helpful not just in an aesthetic manner, but also in a functional manner.

What are inlays and onlays?

Considered indirect dental restorations, inlays and onlays are fabricated in the office of a dentist and are fitted into or on surfaces of damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays are made by using impressions of your teeth as guide. This is necessary because the dental restorations have to fit the damaged tooth properly. Unlike direct dental restorations, such as dental fillings, which apply the composite resin directly on the tooth and is molded there, inlays and onlays are bonded with the use of a special dental cement.

A model of a tooth with a dental tool in it.

What are the advantages of inlays and onlays?

While there are other dental restoration options, inlays and onlays have their own inherent benefits:

Inlays and onlays preserves more dental tissues.

Unlike veneers and crowns wherein your teeth have to be prepared by drilling off parts of the tooth, inlays and onlays do not require the tooth to be prepared in that way. If you’re thinking of having a tooth restored, but it’s not exactly that decayed yet, then it’s better for you to go with inlays and onlays instead.

Inlays and onlays are stain-resistant.

Composite resin dental restorations are susceptible to staining which makes them bad news for people who enjoy their cup of coffee or the occasional glass of wine. On the other hand, inlays and onlays, which are made of porcelain, are able to resist substances that can cause stains. This is because porcelain has a glass-like surface which enables it to resist the liquid substances.

Inlays and onlays are easier to clean.

When veneers are not properly fitted, they can sometimes cause leaks which make it difficult for the plaque to truly be removed. On the other hand, composite fillings have the propensity to shrink which also affect the fit of the restoration and cause tiny nooks to form where bacteria can accumulate. All of these things can make it difficult for your teeth to truly be cleaned by routine tooth brushing and flossing.