|
To repair damage to the tooth’s 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 or ceramic resin, although porcelain is now becoming
the material of choice because of its strength and potential to
match the natural color of your tooth. |
|
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.
Inlays
and onlays are applied in two dental visits. At the first visit,
the old filling, or decay, is removed, and the tooth is prepared
for the inlay / onlay. The dentist will then make an impression
of the tooth, and send this impression to a dental laboratory.
This impression will be used by the laboratory to construct a
custom-made porcelain, or gold inlay / onlay. At this time the
dentist will place a temporary sealant on your tooth and schedule
a second appointment.
At
the second visit, the temporary sealant is removed. Your dentist
will then ensure that the inlay / onlay fits properly in the tooth
and does not interfere with your bite. The inlay / onlay is then
bonded into the tooth with a strong bonding resin, and polished
smooth.
|
Inlay
Onlay
|
| |
|
| |
Porcelain Inlay or Onlay |
| TREATMENT
TIME |
Two
appointments of approximately one to two hours per tooth. |
| PATIENT
Instructions |
Avoid
biting hard objects in order not to fracture the porcelain. Normal
brushing and flossing. Use fluoride mouth rinse and toothpaste
as prescribed by your dentist. Same dietary restriction (as above)
for the longest restorative life. |
| RESULTS
OF TREATMENT |
Porcelain
inlays/onlays can successfully achieve both esthetic and functional
results in restoring discolored or metal posterior teeth. More
conservative than full crown. |
| |
Advantages & Disadvantages
of Inlays and Onlays |
 |
ADVANTAGES |
DISADVANTAGES |
|
- Highly
esthetic
- No metal
shows
- Strong
once bonded to tooth
- Well-sealed
tooth
- Will not
stain
- Will insulate
the tooth
- Well suited
for large cavities
- Long lasting
|
- More costly
than amalgam or composite
- Can
fracture
- Takes
two appointments
|
|
| |
Before
and After Dental Inlays / Dental Onlays treatment |
| |
| |
|
| Before
Dental Onlays |
After
Dental Onlays |
| |
|
| Before
Dental Onlays |
After
Dental Onlays |
|
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays:
- In treating
dental decay, inlays and onlays help to eliminate tooth sensitivity
and eventual tooth loss. Inlays and onlays also offer the following
benefits:
- Since they can be made
from tooth-colored material, including porcelain and composite resin,
inlays and onlays are virtually invisible.
- Unlike metal fillings,
inlays and onlays will not expand or contract in response to temperature
changes caused by hot or cold foods. This change in size can cause
teeth to weaken or fracture.
- The use of inlays and
onlays requires less tooth reduction than does the use of metal
fillings. This allows dentists to conserve more of a patient’s
natural tooth structure in the treatment process.
- Because of the way inlays
and onlays are made, they help to strengthen teeth by up to 75 percent.
- The durable material
from which inlays and onlays are made helps them last up to 30 years,
much longer than that of conventional fillings.
- Inlays and onlays can
replace silver fillings to create a healthier, more natural-looking
smile.
By saving decayed teeth, inlays and onlays prevent the need for
more extensive treatment later on.
Types of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain,
gold, or composite resin. Porcelain inlays mimic enamel's translucency
and color, making them attractive choices for patients. Gold alloy
inlays and onlays possess greater durability.
The porcelain inlays and onlays used
at our dental clinic include the IPS Empress II and IPS Empress
Esthetics from Ivoclar Vivadent. |
|
Procedure for Dental Inlays and Onlays Treatment
The course of treatment described here is one
of several options available at our dental clinic. Consult your dentist
to find out what the best solution is for you, given your specific condition.
- First evaluation and
inlays/onlays tooth preparation
- The natural tooth is
reshaped to receive the new inlay/ onlay
- Records are taken to
determine the color, ength and shape of the inlay/onlay
- An impression of the
teeth is taken for a replica model of teeth
- This model is sent
to a lab where the inlay and onlay piece is fabricated
- The preparation site
is temprorarily covered
- Fitting of the inlay/onlay
on delivery
- The temporary filling
is removed
- The inlay/onlay is fitted
and cemented into place on the teeth
- A quality assurance
check is done for any re-adjustments or re-works of the inlay/onlay
dental crowns
- Care of inlay/onlay
- Brush and floss your
teeth as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist
Recovery Expectations
Having inlays or onlays is similar to having
fillings done but inlays and onlays tends to be better strength and durability
than fillings. There should be little or no sensitivity in teeth.
Care for Dental Inlays and Onlays
Simply follow good oral hygiene practices:
- Brush at least twice a day.
It is good practice to brush after eating and before bedtime.
- Floss at least once to
twice a day.
- Rinse with fluoride rinse
before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at
least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or
drink anything for 30 minutes
- Be careful about chewing
toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
- See your dentist for regular
professional check-ups and cleaning
Contact
us today for more information.
 |
Click
here to
view some of the cosmetic dentistry treatment case studies from our
clinic |
|
Client
Testimonials
 
This is a "must visit" if you are going to India for any medical treatment....
Click here to read more
|
