Dental inlays and onlays are used to fix broken, fractured, or decayed teeth. They may be unfamiliar to those outside of the dental profession. They are created by taking an impression or scanning a damaged tooth and making a long-lasting mould or image of the damaged area, which is then implanted in the mouth. In this way, they’re similar to other restorative dental operations like crown placement or cavity filling. Read More About Dental Inlays & Onlays By Wicker Park Dental Below.
What’s the Difference Between Onlays and Inlays in Dentistry?
Depending on the quantity of tooth to be treated, dental onlays and inlays change only slightly. An inlay is a form of filling that is used to fill cavities between the cusps of the tooth. An onlay, on the other hand, can fill a cavity while also correcting a greater area beyond the cusps. Inlays and onlays are both made of the same material; the only variation is how the material is employed.
What are the distinctions between Dental Onlays and inlays, crowns and fillings?
A dentist’s toolset for treating cavities and other dental damage includes crowns, fillings, inlays, and onlays. Both fillings and inlays can fix cavities and replace missing tooth structure, however fillings are weaker and last less time than inlays.
An onlay varies from a crown in that it does not, by definition, cover the entire tooth, whereas a crown does. Dentists also utilise crowns when a tooth’s damage is too severe for an onlay to repair. Crowns are the most comprehensive restorations available, covering the entire tooth structure and providing the strongest level of support. Onlays are a more conservative restoration constructed of comparable ceramics that just cover the areas that are lacking, removing no further tooth structure.
All of these restorative dental procedures are successful and long-term choices that your dentist will consider as part of your personalized treatment plan.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Onlays and Inlays?
Onlays and inlays have the advantage of being able to fill larger cavities than fillings and providing extra strength to the damaged tooth, as well as boosting bite force tolerance in some cases. Because they are composed of very tough materials and are designed to look exactly like your own teeth, they are modelled after the original look of the tooth.
How long does it take to have a dental onlay or inlay?
At Urban Smiles Chicago, getting a dental inlay or onlay requires two visits to the dentist. The damaged tooth is first checked, an imprint or scan is taken, and the impression or scan is delivered to our world-class facility for fabrication by a master ceramist. A temporary inlay or onlay is used to replace the void left by the missing tooth structure while waiting for the restoration to arrive from the lab. The permanent onlay or inlay is put into place during the second session, restoring complete function to the tooth.
Wicker Park Onlays and Inlays
Trust the dental professionals at Urban Smiles Chicago for comprehensive dental care, including long-lasting onlays and inlays. We’re here to assist Chicago with thorough and tailored treatment strategies, led by Dr. Maeng. Please contact us by calling 773-819-7724 or booking an appointment online if you’re looking for aesthetic remedies or simply need a regular examination.