Restorative Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays

Many dentists will recommend using tooth inlays and onlays as they are a less invasive approach compared with crowns or other surgeries that would be required for the full restoration of a decayed tooth.

Dental inlays and onlays are very popular treatments in dentistry because they strengthen your tooth while also restoring teeth to their original brilliance without involving the removal of healthy tooth structures, making them a more conservative dental treatment option.

Inlays act as stronger, more durable versions of fillings, especially when restoring particularly large cavities. Onlays are a way to protect the occlusal surface of a tooth when a full dental crown is unnecessary. They function similarly to crowns, although they do not cover the entire tooth surface. They’re both composed of the same materials and perform the same function to protect the tooth when it’s decayed, but they cover different portions of a person’s tooth.

Inlays as Tooth Dental Restorations

If a filling will not adequately reinforce the surrounding teeth and when the cavity also requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth, a dentist will recommend an inlay for treatment. In its most basic form, a dental inlay fills holes in the regions between the cusps of a tooth. The chewing surface of a tooth damaged by decay or injury is shaped and fitted with an inlay. They’re made by using an imprint of the affected area(s).

An inlay will properly fit into the tooth’s hollow, yet it will not damage the cusps. The dentist will try to match the color of the tooth as precisely as possible when taking the impression. Porcelain or composite resins that are stronger and more durable than standard fillings can be used for an inlay.

Onlays or Partial Crowns

A dental onlay can work for a greater surface area, such as the cusps of a tooth, rather than only filling in hollow spaces. Onlays are used to repair the decay and damage of a tooth’s cusps and biting surface. When a cavity is too large for normal filling or the tooth is at risk of cracking, a dentist will recommend an onlay.

An onlay improves the tooth’s strength while also protecting area of decay. In contrast to an inlay, this area can include both the cusps and also the space between them. Onlays are also known as “partial crowns” – they perform a similar purpose to crowns, but only cover a portion of the tooth rather than the whole.

Process to Fabricate New Inlays and Onlays

Our dentist will explain your choices, and discuss the pros, risks and costs involved in the procedure.

Once you feel comfortable with your decision, our dental team will administer a numbing local anaesthetic. Our dentist will prepare the tooth in the same way as a filling by drilling out and cleaning the cavity.This involves shaping the tooth to be the ideal fit for the dental inlay or onlay. An impression is then taken of the tooth, the opposite arch, and the interrelationship. These models will be sent to the dental laboratory, where the dental inlays and onlays will be fabricated, along with shading and design information. A temporary onlay is placed over the tooth. Thereafter, a follow-up fitting is scheduled to check for occlusions and adjust the inlay or onlay, as needed.

One of the most crucial things to remember when it comes to dental inlays or onlays is that they must be treated as your own teeth. This means brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping up with routine dental appointments as directed. 

How Much Do Dental Inalys  or Onlays Cost in Singapore

TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic offers inlay and onlay treatments that are a less invasive approach to restoring decayed teeth without removing healthy teeth structures. For this reason, our dentists may recommend using these options instead of the more extreme surgery required for full restoration with a crown or dental implant.

The costs for inlays and onlays will vary depending on material chosen. We encourage you to meet with our dentist for a consultation to discuss your particular needs and related treatment costs.

If you are looking for a more conservative option outside of crowns or other surgical interventions, come to TEETH @ Tiong Bahru Dental Clinic.