If you have dental decay or cavities, your dentist may have advised that you get a crown or a filling. However, currently, there are some other options available for you, namely dental onlays and inlays. Both inlays and onlays are regarded as “Indirect Fillings”, offering a solid support that fits the particular shape and size of your cavity. If you are looking for the best dental clinic in Bangalore for cavities or tooth decay, this article will help you get introduced to dental inlays and onlays and how to find best dental clinics near you.
What are dental inlays?
Dental inlays are made of solid, custom-made materials like gold or porcelain. Depending on your cavity size and depth, your dentist will either cast or mould your inlays into shape. Inlays are moulded to fit into your teeth grooves that do not extend over your tooth cusps.
What are dental onlays?
Like inlays, dental onlays are also custom-made solid materials, but larger than inlays and smaller than dental crowns. Dental onlays fills up larger cavities that extend over your tooth cusps.
What is the difference between a dental inlay and an onlay?
While inlays repair or reduce damages on your tooth’s surface, onlays, also known as partial crowns, treat larger areas.
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays offer several benefits like:
- Better resistance to fractures and damages than what traditional cavity fillings offer
- Resistance to stain
- Improves your teeth’s natural appearance
- Custom-made to fit your tooth structure, colour, and shape
- Can last up to 30 years
What are the materials used for inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays can be made of different materials like:
Gold:
Advantages
- Stronger and more malleable
- Offers lower chance of fracture than traditional fillings
- Stain-resistant
Disadvantages
- Sticks out oddly among your natural teeth
- Expensive
Ceramic (Porcelain):
Advantages
- Strong and durable
- Offers lower chance of fracture than traditional fillings
- Blends in with your natural teeth colour
- Stain-resistant
Disadvantages
- More fragile than gold restorations
- Despite its strength, due to its rigid characteristics, more prone to fracture
Composite Resin
Advantages
- Stronger and less prone to fracture than traditional fillings
- Blends in with your natural teeth colour
Disadvantages
- More fragile than gold restorations
- Less malleable than gold or porcelain restorations
- Stain sensitive
What are the steps of inlay and onlay procedures?
1. Cavity filling removal, if needed in your case
2. Taking impression of your teeth (inlay/onlay mould)
3. Development of temporary filling placement
4. Final placement of inlay/onlay
Conclusion
Till date, inlays and onlays have been very under-utilized. Inlays and onlays have excellent restoration abilities that typically last for many years. After treatment with inlays or onlays, you only need a very short recovery time.
However, be cautious about the fact that your teeth are still susceptible to plaque and any oral microbial buildup over time. So, don’t forget to practise a good oral hygiene regime daily to keep your restorations clean and strong.
To know more, set up an appointment with the best dental doctor or visit a dental clinic in Bangalore today. For booking, call 18001020288 at Apollo Dental, Bangalore.
