What’s the Difference Between Inlays and Onlays?

If you have a cavity or a filling, your tooth/teeth can be restored with inlays and onlays.

Inlays

Inlays are usually used when a small filling is required, as it will fit inside the biting surface of the tooth.

Onlays

Onlays are used to treat larger cavities, as they’re able to cover a bigger surface area.

Traditionally, inlays and onlays have been made from gold because it’s a hardy material that has been manufactured to stand the test of time. However, tooth-coloured porcelain inlays and onlays are becoming more popular, as it gives your tooth a more natural finish, without compromising the strength and durability of the restoration.

What Happens if You Need Inlays and Onlays?

If you have cavities in your teeth and your dentist has recommended an inlay or onlay as your best treatment course, this is what you can expect:

1. An impression will be taken of your tooth/teeth, which will be used by a dental technician to make your inlays or onlays.

2. Your dentist will put in a temporary filling, which you will need to wear until your permanent one is ready.

3. Once your inlay or onlay is ready, your Woodvale dentist will remove your temporary filling and glue you permanent one into place using a special dental adhesive.

However, if you’ve opted for a porcelain inlay or onlay, this process can be streamlined, minimising how much time you spend at the dentist, and how long you have to wait to receive your permanent filling.

Porcelain inlays and onlays can be made at our Woodvale-based dental practice using CAD/CAM technology, more specifically a CEREC machine. This machine is not only efficient; it also produces a natural-looking finish every time.

If you need inlays and onlays in Perth to fill your cavities, contact the team at Woodvale Dental Surgery – we’re here to help! ll need less visits to the dentist to have your tooth restored.