What are Inlays and Onlays?
Dental Inlays and Onlays are tooth/gum-like restorations made of gold, porcelain, or a composite resin. They’re bonded within a protective material called an inlay to replace a lost or decaying section, like decayed teeth. Like fillings and caps used for restorative purposes, inlays fit over a small amount of tooth structure, including the cusps.
Dental onlays and inlays also often have a lifespan longer than standard dental restorations, often exceeding 25 years long (ensuring functional longevity). Whether it’s porcelain inlays or composite resin inlays, this type of restorative dentistry will not chip, and you won’t get extensive damage like traditional fillings. You will be happy with the number of dental restoration options available and pleased with the results of the final restoration.
The Procedure for Inlays and Onlays
The procedure for inlays is fairly simple, consisting mainly of drilling out small cavities. Then, the patient must make sure that the inlays don’t get caught and cause cracking. This may sound simple, however, inlays can expand during this procedure. If this occurs, then the restoration is incomplete, or worse yet permanent damage can occur due to the expansion and contraction.
Generally, you shouldn’t experience any issues and inlays and onlays require less tooth prep, are less invasive than crowns, have a shorter and more effective lifespan than caps, and can be completed in one visit.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
There are many Benefits of Inlays and Onlays, which can be read about below. And if you would like more information about how this type of dental care can benefit you, it’s always best to reach out to your dental provider in regards to the Inlays and Onlays Cost, procedure types, etc.
Tooth Color: The tooth color of inlays and onlays can be closely matched in many cases, and onlays can often be made from tooth-colored materials like gold, copper, or other materials. Gold inlays are generally the most expensive, but it’s also generally more durable because of their bright, metallic appearance, making them a good option for some people.
Easy Tooth Cleaning: Cleaning your teeth is easy with inlays and onlays because they’re very durable and can handle being tooth-washed and rinsed. Partial crowns can become soiled and get discolored over time due to bacteria.
Fit: When inlays fit correctly, they are extremely strong and durable, can handle a beating and do their job for many years without fail. The fit is so good that inlays cannot get smaller or fail sooner than expected due to their strength. They fit right over and on an inlay so well that the filling will not get damaged as soon as the fillings are replaced.
Tight Space Fulfillments: If you have a small space between fillings (say between your cusps), try an onlay over a filling instead of crowning it. This way, there is no chance that the filling could fall right over when it gets put in place due to being too close together. This also will help seal the space, helping it stay firmly in place.
Weak Tooth Protector: An onlay can protect the weak areas of the tooth, and help seal those areas up to keep bacteria away from them. They are very stable restorations and can be a great choice to have if your tooth doesn’t have much structure, which is sometimes what happens when the tooth gets a cavity.
Strength and Stability: A dental onlay is very sturdy and stable, and they can handle a lot of punishment and last longer when cared for right, which is another plus for onlays.
How Much do They Cost?
Inlays and Onlays in Dentistry can range in pricing. You can expect to pay between $250 to $1,500 for inlays and $350 to $1,500 for onlays on average. Your dental insurance may cover some of these expenses, so it will be worth your while to get this information. Also, keep in mind different factors can have an impact on the Dental Inlays cost, some of them include:
- The size can have an impact on the price – the larger the onlay, the higher the cost.
- Location – depending on where you live, this can have an impact on the dental onlay cost.
- The dentist who performs the procedure will have a predetermined price and depending on their level of experience and training, this will reflect the tooth inlay cost.
- The tooth or teeth being worked on – the front teeth are easier to work on than the back teeth, so this can have an impact on the cost because of the time it will take.
- The material used for Dental Inlays and Onlays – gold is generally more expensive, and it’s also a more durable and long-lasting material. Some materials are better for some people than others, such as Porcelain Onlay, so it’s always best to ask your dentist about the different materials available.
Difference Between Inlays and Onlays
The main difference between an Inlay vs Onlay procedure is in terms of what goes over or under the fill. Onlays are usually larger than inlays, but not as much as fillings and onlays tend to be made from a single substance like porcelain or special material like special dental composite or special gold. They do share some similarities, however, and for that, a dental inlay is generally less expensive, more widely used, and more widely covered by coverage.
The Cost of Inlays and Onlays varies from person to person, and also depends on the materials used, such as Gold and Ceramic Inlays and Onlays. If you would like to learn more about Dental Inlays and Onlays Costs, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!
Frequently Asked Question on Inlays and Onlays
What are inlays and onlays used for?
Inlays and onlays are used when too much damage has been done and a filling isn’t an option, but not enough damage has been done that a crown is required, making it a Dental Crown Alternative. The biggest difference between an inlay and a crown is the extent of the indirect filling. Crowns only have the amount of fill that would be done by a filling being built in the center of the filling. This might sound a lot more extensive, but when you’re talking about the center of your tooth, that means the filling is less invasive.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
When an inlay or an onlay fails or gets damaged beyond what it can handle, it may wear down and fall out, or get so damaged that the patient must return for another procedure or a root canal. But typically, Inlays and Onlays in Dentistry generally last around 15 to 30 years, and on average, will perform better than crowns.
Choosing the Right Dentist
When looking for the right dentist that does inlays and onlays, you must go to a dental office where they perform these types of procedures. This way, you can have someone who knows exactly what they’re doing and who has all the necessary training to get the job done.
At Independence Dental Group, we want our patients to be very comfortable during their visits. We want them to feel like part of a dental office family, so we strive for the best possible experience when you are coming in for your dental work! You will get a better idea of how this permanent onlay procedure works on your first visit. Call us to book your appointment today and get your oral health back to the way it was!
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