Inlays and onlays are restorations that we use to correct damage to back teeth that has been caused by extensive decay, cracks or fractures. In the cases where we choose inlays or inlays, the damage to the tooth structure is large enough to be corrected with a simple filling but not so large that it requires the use of a crown. Also with inlays and inlays we can replace old large amalgam fillings. With this solution we have all the benefits of a filling but we need to remove much less healthy tooth tissue compared to crowns.
Inlays are similar to fillings and cover the center of the chewing surface of the tooth. Inlays cover a larger area, extend beyond the tops of the back teeth, and can replace the entire chewing surface. These restorations – unlike common fillings – are manufactured in a laboratory after taking impressions so that we can have an accurate fit. Once they are ready, we place them firmly on the tooth with a special adhesive material.
Inlays and onlays can be composite resin, but here again the material that best matches the natural appearance of the tooth is all-ceramic porcelain. Porcelain has the additional advantage that it does not absorb pigments and thus its color does not change over time.
In summary, the advantages of inserts and inserts are as follows:
- They have excellent durability and a much longer lifespan than common fillings.
- They strengthen and strengthen the tooth, protecting it from fractures.
- We don’t have to remove as much tooth substance as we do with bridges.
- They offer better aesthetic results than fillings.
Below are pictures of replacing old amalgam fillings with inlays and onlays:
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