Dental Inlays and Onlays Quincy, IL
If you are concerned about the appearance of your old fillings, new tooth-colored treatments can restore and transform your teeth. Silver and gold fillings are a thing of the past as cosmetic treatments such as inlays and onlays are a new and effective treatment. Inlays and onlays are similar to traditional fillings as they fit inside the tooth where a cavity once was and seal it. The signifying difference is that they come in a variety of tooth-colored materials for an enhanced, more uniform smile.
As most inlay and onlay treatments replace old fillings, the cavity has already been removed and filled. This makes treatment easier, faster, and generally pain-free. Inlays and onlays provide a more sustainable treatment and a natural-looking smile.
Inlays and onlays are available at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Quincy and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you determine whether this treatment is right for you. Call us at (217) 334-4312 to schedule an appointment.
Inlays and Onlays Explained
An inlay is a molded and fitted filling used to treat minor tooth decay, fracture, or other dental damage. It is most often used to restore a tooth that has a cavity that does not extend past the center. They are created using an imprint of the affected area.
Getting a dental inlay fitted onto your tooth is relatively simple. Once the area has been cleaned of decay, an impression will be taken and sent out for manufacturing. The inlay will be made out of tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin material. It is then bonded to your tooth.
Onlays also fit inside the tooth but can extend further over the tooth than an inlay. They are also called partial crowns. Dentists choose this option when a cavity is too big for a standard filling, or the tooth is at risk for cracking. An onlay will strengthen the tooth along with protecting the decaying area.
The dentist prepares the tooth similar to a filling. A temporary onlay is placed over the cavity and an impression is sent out to make the permanent onlay out of porcelain or composite material. With an onlay, more of the tooth's structure is preserved.
Inlays and onlays are typically made of similar, tooth-colored materials. While they both are used to fill in areas of decay, an onlay can work for a larger area, including the cusps, or edges, of the tooth. Compared to traditional fillings, inlays and onlays can increase tooth strength.
“Inlays and onlays are typically made of similar, tooth-colored materials.”
Inlay or Filling
Inlays are a cosmetic treatment that can replace old fillings. Increasingly, patients have had the option to choose between a filling or inlay when treating a cavity. We use an impression of the cavity in question to ensure the inlay is the exact size and shape, as opposed to other options that may weaken the tooth. In this way, the cemented inlay strengthens the tooth rather than weakening it.
As inlays become more popular because of their appearance, fillings are hardly ever requested. However, a dentist may resort to a filling for cases in which the patient is allergic to the inlay material used. In many cases, special dental material can be used as an inlay to provide the patient with the highest level of comfort.
“Inlays are formulated using an impression of the cavity and are fabricated to the exact size and shape of the cavity as opposed to being filled in.”
Onlay vs. Crown
Compared to a crown, an onlay is a less aggressive type of restoration and allows for more of your tooth's structure to be preserved. If your tooth is relatively intact but requires some of the edges to be replaced, an onlay is a good choice. If your tooth has extensive damage or decay, you will likely need a crown. Our dentist will evaluate your situation and recommended which treatment option would be best.
“Compared to a crown, an onlay is a less aggressive type of restoration and allows for more of your tooth’s structure to be preserved.”
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Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays
The key benefits of inlays lie in their durability and strength. They are intended to protect and seal the tooth from further damage using cemented material custom-fit to each tooth. The sealed inlays also protect the tooth from air and food particles from entering the tooth, which causes a sensitive sensation. Before an inlay treatment, the dentist removes all bacteria from inside the tooth and throughout the hole, attaining a higher level of oral hygiene. Inlays are more stable and stay in your tooth for much longer than a filling with proper oral care.
Onlays
Onlays have much of the same benefits as inlays. An added benefit to onlays is they can save much of the patient's tooth structure and provide additional strength and support for the affected tooth. Crowns require treatment and typically involve removing the entire tooth, or at minimum, much of the tooth structure. Onlays are also custom-fit for each patient and use stain-resistant material, making them last much longer without affecting appearance.
“Before an inlay treatment, the dentist removes all bacteria from inside the tooth and throughout the hole, attaining a higher level of oral hygiene.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Should I get an inlay or a filling?
Q. What are the key benefits of inlays and onlays?
Q. Can you explain inlays and onlays?
Q. What is the difference onlay vs. crown?
Q. What is the difference between inlays, onlays, and veneers?
People Also Ask
Q. What are composite fillings?
Q. How can cosmetic dentistry restore teeth?
Q. How can someone find out what procedures their dental insurance covers?
Q. How can dental cosmetics improve oral health?
Inlays, Onlays, and Veneers
While they may seem similar, veneers, inlays, and onlays are not the same. Onlays and inlays are used to fill and protect damage to the chewing service of the tooth, while veneers are used to cover the front of the tooth in areas that show when you smile. Veneers are not typically used to address tooth decay and are used for more cosmetic reasons.
A veneer is a great option for people who want to correct cosmetic flaws or treat a stained tooth, chipped, or crooked. However, veneers do not provide the structural support or protection of an inlay or onlay. To properly address decay or other damage, an inlay or onlay is the preferred choice.
“While they may seem similar, veneers, inlays, and onlays are not the same.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Inlays and Onlays
Q. Does my insurance cover inlays and onlays?
A. Dental insurance coverage varies from person to person. You will want to reach out to your insurance provider directly to find out if they cover inlays and onlays. Our staff will help you determine any out-of-pocket costs.
Q. What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
A. An inlay is meant to fit in the center of a back tooth and covers only a portion of the chewing surface. An onlay will cover more of the tooth, such as the small points or ridges along the sides. Both inlays and onlays are made from impressions of the area so they are a perfect fit.
Q. Can I get an inlay or onlay in one visit?
A. Since inlays and onlays are made off-site, they require two office visits to be put into place. Once the decay and damaged material are removed, our dentist will make an impression of the site to be filled. A temporary covering will protect your tooth between visits.
Q. What can I expect after getting an inlay or onlay?
A. After the procedure, there is usually a little discomfort, but most patients can adapt to the new chewing surface quickly. Sometimes the tissues around the area worked on are sore or the tooth is sensitive to hot and cold. These issues should fix themselves in one or two days.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More About Inlays and Onlays Today
If you are considering replacing your old fillings and crowns or want to schedule a consultation appointment, call us at 217-334-4312 to speak to Buffalo Prairie Dental. By taking full-mouth X-rays, a custom treatment plan will help to meet your needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 2019.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Quincy, West Quincy, Taylor, Payson, Camp Point, Mendon, Mt Sterling and La Grange
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