Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays are used to repair cracks, fractures, other damage and certain amounts of decay, rivalling treatments such as crowns or fillings due to the lesser amount of tooth reduction required. They are ineffective at treating more major damage or decay, but people with average or mild damage can benefit from their use.
Dental Inlays
Dental inlays are restorations that repair damage or decay in the top indented surfaces of rear teeth. Another common function is to substitute inlays for old or broken metal fillings, which you may wish to replace due to wear, unpleasant blackening, the amount of mercury in the amalgam fillings, or simply to give your smile a more natural look. Inlays usually take just two appointments to fit, with the first involving a tooth impression and use of a temporary inlay. The exact-fitting inlay will be ready on your next appointment, and is strongly attached over the tooth. The inlay adds stability and structural benefits to the area and should help to guard against cavities in the treated tooth.
Dental Onlays
Dental onlays are able to treat more thorough damage or decay that extends beyond the top projections of your teeth. The fitting process is almost identical to that of inlays. Bonding the onlays to the teeth utilises a reliable resin agent.
Materials used for inlays and onlays
Inlay and onlays are generally fashioned from porcelain or composite resin, both of which are currently the top standard for matching the color of teeth for a naturalistic, symmetrical smile. Porcelain is the material most indistinguishable from real teeth, as it shares their translucent properties. Composite resin may not be quite this realistic but is cheaper and still virtually undetectable. Gold may occasionally be used to provide better strength in difficult cases. The aesthetic value of gold is small in terms of blending in with other teeth, but the material is extremely durable and safe.
Inlays and Onlays vs. Fillings
Metal fillings have a tendency to expand and contract when subject to hot or cold foods, which can be detrimental to the teeth. In addition to eliminating this, inlays and onlays require less tooth reduction before treatment can begin, and increase strength in the treated teeth. If responsible oral hygiene is maintained then inlays and onlays can last for 20 to 30 years, far longer than metal fillings. The porcelain or composite resin material means that inlays and onlays are a discreet, confidence-boosting treatment. If placed at an appropriate time they can save damaged teeth and reduce the amount of treatment needed in the long term (e.g. dental bridges or implants).
Cost of porcelain inlays and onlays
You should consult your cosmetic dentist for prices that take location and the extent of procedure into account, or for a comparison between the costs of porcelain, resin and gold. On average, an inlay or onlay costs from $900 to $1200, although pricing can reach as little as $650 in some cases.