Inlays and onlays in Charlotte are essential solutions for restoring damaged teeth, combining aesthetics with strength. Understanding their benefits and differences can significantly enhance your dental health and smile. Dive into this guide to discover how these treatments can make a lasting impact on your oral care
1. 4 Types of Inlays and Onlays in Charlotte
The most common types of dental inlays and onlays are metal and ceramic. Metal inlays are typically crafted from metal alloys, offering strength and durability. Gold inlays, once highly popular in the past century, represent a notable example of this type. Another widely used type in previous decades was the silver-amalgam filling, known for its durability and longevity.
Zirconia Inlays and Onlays
Zirconia inlays and onlays are highly favored for their exceptional strength and long-lasting durability, along with a low risk of causing allergic reactions. For ceramic options, porcelain stands out as the most popular choice. Porcelain inlays and onlays offer a natural, lifelike appearance and are generally more affordable than metal alternatives. They are also biocompatible, posing minimal risk of adverse reactions, and provide impressive durability.
Gold Inlays and Onlays
Gold inlays and onlays are crafted from a blend of gold, copper, and other materials, meaning they are not entirely pure gold. A significant benefit of gold inlays is their remarkable strength and durability, often lasting up to 10-15 years while withstanding strong chewing forces, similar to other metal inlays. Additionally, many patients appreciate the aesthetic appeal that gold inlays provide.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain inlays and onlays are popular dental restoration options designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving their natural appearance. These types of inlays and onlays are crafted from durable, tooth-colored porcelain, making them an aesthetically pleasing choice. Inlays fit snugly within the tooth’s grooves, while onlays extend over one or more cusps, providing added coverage and strength.
Composite Resin Inlays and Onlays
Composite inlays and onlays are crafted from a mix of zirconia or silica with plastic materials, forming a durable dental bonding solution. Like other restorations, composite inlays and onlays aim to restore teeth damaged by cavities. In recent years, these composite options have grown in popularity, as they allow patients to enhance their smiles cosmetically while also alleviating pain and sensitivity.
2. Inlay vs. Onlay: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is that an onlay extends to cover one or more cusps of the tooth, while an inlay is designed to fit solely within the area between the cusps. Both involve removing decayed areas from the tooth, and each restoration is custom-made to precisely fit the prepared space.
Although inlays are made for larger cavities, the phrases are theoretically interchangeable. The method utilized to fill that gap is where the two options diverge, even though both entail using a drill to remove an existing cavity and then covering the space.
One major benefit of inlays is that they don’t compress as much as fillings do, which reduces the likelihood that the restoration will fail. Inlays are more dependable over time since they are, in theory, more resilient than fillings.
3. Procedure for Inlays/Onlays
The procedure for inlays and onlays involves several careful steps to ensure a precise and effective restoration. Understanding this process is essential for patients considering these treatments, as it highlights how inlays and onlays are custom-designed to fit seamlessly into the affected tooth, providing durability and aesthetic appeal
Step 1: Removing the Existing Filling
Dental inlays and onlays are often used to replace decayed or cracked fillings. Your dentist will first remove any old fillings before applying the new restoration. Additionally, any decayed tooth material is cleared away, creating a “cavity” in the tooth. After that, your dentist will shape and prepare the tooth to facilitate the placement of the inlay or onlay.
Step 2: Taking an Impression of the Tooth
During the initial visit, a mold of the affected tooth is created. This impression helps you and your dentist decide on the appropriate material for the inlay or onlay, whether it be gold, ceramic, or composite. If you choose ceramic, you can select the shade that matches your natural teeth during this appointment.
Step 3: Installing Temporary Fillings
The next step involves placing a temporary filling in the cavity to prevent infection. This temporary solution protects your teeth from temperature changes, which can cause sensitivity to hot or cold substances.
Step 4: Placing the Inlay/Onlay
The fourth step is the actual placement of the inlay or onlay. Once the restoration is ready, appointments will be scheduled for the inlay or onlay procedure. If needed, your dentist may administer a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort during the inlay/onlay process. The temporary filling is then removed, and the inlay or onlay is securely bonded to your tooth. Typically, this procedure can be done without causing significant discomfort to the patient.
4. 5 Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
5.1 Strength and Durability
Crafted from high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin, inlays and onlays are stronger than traditional fillings and offer enhanced support to the tooth. Their durability means they often last longer and are less prone to cracking or breaking.
5.2 Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure
Inlays and onlays are precisely designed to fit only the damaged areas of the tooth, allowing for maximum preservation of the healthy portions.
5.3 Natural Appearance
Custom-made to blend seamlessly with the color and shape of natural teeth, inlays and onlays offer a discreet and attractive restoration that enhances your smile and boosts self-confidence.
5.4 Ease of Maintenance
With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits, inlays and onlays are easy to care for. Unlike traditional fillings, they retain their shape and effectiveness over time, providing long-lasting function.
5.5 Reduced Sensitivity
Since inlays and onlays are designed to fit snugly within the tooth, they typically cause less sensitivity than traditional fillings. They also act as a barrier against temperature and pressure changes, adding to patient comfort.
5. Cost Comparison: Fillings vs. Inlays
Since these treatments address different levels of tooth damage, their costs vary accordingly. Dental fillings are generally more affordable, as they involve less preparatory work and often don’t require outsourcing to dental labs. The price for a filling can range from $50 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on the chosen material (with gold being the most costly). In comparison, inlays and onlays typically start around $650 per tooth.
Now that you understand the differences, should you worry about which treatment you’re getting? Rest assured, as both treatments share key similarities. Here’s why you shouldn’t stress over the specific type of restoration—it’s all about achieving a healthy, durable result!
6. Durability of Inlays/Onlays
Porcelain and gold inlays/onlays are known for their exceptional durability, often lasting as long as 20 to 30 years. Resin inlays/onlays offer a more budget-friendly option but generally have a lifespan of around 5 to 7 years. The placement of the restoration also matters, as chewing teeth (like premolars and molars) endure more stress than front teeth, which can impact the longevity of the restoration.
7. How Inlays and Onlays are applied?
A dental inlay is positioned within the tooth’s cusps to restore decayed sections and shield the tooth from additional harm. Conversely, dental onlays cover the outer edges of the tooth’s cusps, typically applied when there is more substantial tooth damage.
The process for inlays and onlays involves two visits to the dentist. In the first appointment, the existing filling is removed, or any damaged or decayed portions of the tooth are addressed, preparing it for the inlay or onlay. The dentist takes an impression of the tooth to ensure a precise fit and sends it to a laboratory for crafting. Afterward, a temporary sealant is applied to the tooth, and the next appointment is scheduled.
During the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary sealant and checks the fit of the inlay or onlay. If it fits well, the inlay or onlay will be securely bonded to the tooth using a strong resin and polished to achieve a smooth finish.
8. When Are Onlays Recommended?
Dental inlays and onlays are types of restorations designed for teeth that are damaged but do not require a crown. They are primarily used to repair teeth that are cracked, fractured, or decayed when the damage is minimal or moderate.
Onlays are recommended when a tooth has extensive decay or damage that goes beyond what a standard filling can repair but doesn’t require a full crown. They are particularly useful in cases where:
- Large Cavities or Decay: If decay affects one or more of the cusps (points) of the tooth but leaves most of the natural structure intact, an onlay can provide the coverage needed without completely reshaping the tooth for a crown.
- Fractured or Cracked Teeth: For teeth that have been weakened by fractures or cracks, onlays offer a solution that provides support to the damaged areas, preventing further breakage.
- Preserving Tooth Structure: When possible, dentists often recommend onlays as they are less invasive than crowns. An onlay allows the dentist to retain more of the natural tooth structure while still protecting the tooth from future damage.
- Aesthetic Restoration Needs: For front teeth or highly visible areas, onlays made from porcelain or composite resin are recommended as they match the tooth color, providing a natural look.
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have damaged teeth, an onlay might be an effective solution to restore functionality and appearance without a full crown. A consultation with a restorative dentist can help determine if an onlay is the best option for your specific needs.
9. Recovery and Care After Onlays
Depending on personal characteristics, recuperation times following inlays and onlays operations can differ. These include general health, the degree of restoration, and the degree to which post-treatment instructions are adhered to. Nonetheless, a broad timeframe might give you a sense of what to anticipate:
- Stick to soft foods for a few days post-procedure. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as comfortable, avoiding direct pressure on the treated tooth.
- Refrain from smoking and alcohol for 24-48 hours. Smoking can disrupt bonding, and alcohol may increase sensitivity.
- Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, swelling, infection signs, or unusual symptoms. Early attention is key.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions for any prescribed medications, including completing the full course of antibiotics if given.
- After 48 hours, resume brushing twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss carefully around the treated area.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the onlay/inlay’s condition and address any concerns.
In conclusion, inlays and onlays in Charlotte represent a superior choice for restoring damaged teeth, combining durability with aesthetic appeal. Understanding the benefits, procedures, and proper aftercare is essential for maximizing the longevity of these restorations. If you’re considering enhancing your smile or addressing dental concerns, visit Premier Dental. Our experienced team is here to guide you through your options and help you achieve optimal oral health. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more radiant smile!