Less drilling, more chilling with minimally-invasive inlays and onlays
Have you ever wondered how dentists can repair a damaged tooth without a lot of drilling which could compromise your natural smile? Keeping your natural teeth as intact as possible is key to maintaining long-term oral health and ensuring better options for future treatments. When tooth decay or damage threatens your smile, it’s essential to find a solution that safeguards the integrity of your teeth. This is where inlays and onlays truly stand out. These cutting-edge dental restorations not only restore the strength and appearance of your teeth but do so by preserving the maximum amount of your original tooth structure, ensuring your smile remains authentically yours.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations expertly designed to repair teeth with moderate damage or decay. These restorations, often called “indirect fillings,” are created outside the mouth—typically in a dental lab—before being precisely bonded to the affected tooth.
- Inlays are crafted to fit within the grooves of a tooth’s chewing surface, targeting areas affected by decay or wear with exceptional accuracy.
- Onlays, also known as “partial crowns,” cover a broader area, extending over one or more cusps (the raised points on the chewing surface), making them ideal for larger restorations.
Both types of restorations are meticulously tailored to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a durable, natural-looking, and aesthetically pleasing result.
How do inlays and onlays differ from fillings and crowns?
Understanding the differences between inlays, onlays, fillings, and crowns is key to making informed choices about your dental care.
- Fillings: These are used to treat small cavities or areas of decay and are placed directly into the tooth during a single visit. While effective for minor issues, fillings may not offer the strength or longevity required for larger restorations.
- Crowns: Crowns encase the entire tooth, providing full coverage for extensive damage. However, crowns often require significant removal of healthy tooth structure, which may not be necessary for moderate cases.
Inlays and onlays provide a balanced alternative, addressing moderate damage with precision while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
The procedure for getting inlays and onlays
Restoring your tooth with an inlay or onlay typically involves two straightforward appointments:
1. Comprehensive examination: Your dentist will conduct a thorough assessment of your tooth to determine if an inlay or onlay is the best solution for the damage or decay.
2. Careful removal of damage: The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is meticulously removed, with care taken to preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible.
3. Precise impressions: An impression of the tooth is taken using advanced digital scanning technology or traditional moulds. This detailed model is sent to a dental lab, where your custom inlay or onlay is fabricated.
4. Temporary protection: To safeguard the prepared tooth, a temporary filling is placed while your permanent restoration is being crafted.
Testing the fit and appearance: Once the inlay or onlay is ready, your dentist will ensure it fits perfectly and matches the colour of your natural teeth.
Secure bonding: The restoration is bonded to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive, creating a seamless and durable connection.
Polishing and finishing: Finally, the restoration is polished to ensure it integrates smoothly with your surrounding teeth, restoring both functionality and aesthetics.
Benefits of inlays and onlays for preserving natural teeth
Inlays and onlays are highly regarded for their ability to restore teeth effectively while preserving their natural integrity. Here are some key advantages:
- Minimally invasive: Unlike crowns, which require significant reshaping of the tooth, inlays and onlays involve minimal removal of healthy tooth structure, maintaining your tooth’s natural strength.
- Exceptional durability: Crafted from high-quality materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold, these restorations are built to withstand the forces of chewing and last for many years.
- Natural aesthetic: Inlays and onlays can be perfectly colour-matched to your natural teeth, offering a discreet and attractive solution.
- Enhanced tooth strength: By bonding securely to the tooth, they provide reinforcement, reducing the risk of fractures or further damage over time.
- Custom precision: The meticulous fabrication process ensures a snug and accurate fit, minimising gaps that could lead to future decay or complications.
Inlays and onlays deliver a winning combination of durability, aesthetics, and tooth preservation, making them an excellent choice for moderate dental restorations.
Who can benefit from inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are best suited for patients with:
- Moderate tooth damage beyond what a filling can repair but not severe enough to require a full crown
- Desire to preserve maximum natural tooth structure
- Need for a durable, aesthetically pleasing dental restoration
- Structurally sound teeth capable of supporting the restoration
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral health assessment to determine if inlays or onlays are appropriate for your specific dental condition. This evaluation considers factors like the extent of tooth damage, overall tooth health, and your long-term dental goals.
How to keep your dental restoration in great condition
Key care strategies to maximise restoration longevity:
- Oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss to prevent decay around the restoration
- Regular checkups: Dental visits every six months for professional cleaning and restoration monitoring
- Protection:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods
- Consider a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Protect restorations from excessive force or potential damage
Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive oral health assessment to determine if inlays or onlays are appropriate for your specific dental condition. This evaluation considers factors like the extent of tooth damage, overall tooth health, and your long-term dental goals.
Taking care of your oral health
Why fix what you can prevent? While inlays and onlays are fantastic for restoring teeth, the best way to keep your smile strong is to stop damage before it starts. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene help you maintain a bright, healthy smile while saving you time and money.
Your dentist is your greatest friend in maintaining your oral health. Schedule a professional evaluation if you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, visible decay, structural damage, or if it’s just been a while since your last checkup. A comprehensive dental examination can:
- Spot early signs of decay before they get serious
- Find the best restoration option (if needed)
- Give you a personalised game plan for prevention
- Keep your smile looking and feeling its best
But what if it’s already past the point of prevention? No worries—we’ve got you covered! Inlays and onlays offer a minimally invasive, long-lasting solution to restore your teeth without a whole lot of drilling. So, whether you’re looking to prevent issues or repair existing damage, we’re here for you. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and natural.
Don’t wait for trouble to strike—talk to your dentist today and keep your smile bright and strong with less drilling and more chilling!
