When Should You Go for Inlays & Onlays?

What Are Onlays and Inlays?

Inlays & onlays in Ocoee, FL, are types of dental fillings for repairing damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays are indirect fillings, meaning that they are manufactured in a dental laboratory as one solid piece. They feature tooth-colored porcelain, which is a sturdy material for dental restorations, that improves the appearance of teeth.

Dr. Freddy Mezquia will typically employ inlays and onlays as alternatives to other dental filling materials like gold fillings or amalgams. Inlays work well as alternatives to dental fillings, particularly where the size of the tooth filling required is too big. On the other hand, onlays are alternatives to dental crowns, usually when a dentist determines that the size of restoration needed is not big enough to necessitate a dental crown.

Understanding the Dental Onlay Procedure

The procedure for installing an onlay begins with preparing the tooth. Your dentist first removes the damaged part of the tooth, drilling out all the cavities. Afterward, the dentist will clean the tooth then mold out its impression. The impression is a standard step for all indirect restorations, allowing the dental expert to customize a perfect-fitting porcelain appliance. With the impressions, the dentist will create an onlay that fits perfectly into the cavity hole and the cusps of the teeth.

The installation process relies on dental bonding, where the dental cement attaches the onlay to the tooth. After curing the dental cement, the onlay becomes one with the tooth.

Dental Onlays vs. Crowns

Many inlays & onlays dentists near you will tell you that onlays are very similar to dental crowns, enough for them to be called partial crowns. It is because they cover only the top part of a tooth instead of encapsulating it entirely as is typical of dental crowns. Onlays fill the hole of the cavity as well as the cusps of teeth, making it much more suitable for back teeth, not the front ones.

Conversely, dental crowns take up the entire tooth enamel. Therefore, a dentist would need to trim and remove more tooth enamel than is the case with onlays, to create room for the dental crown. In dental offices in Ocoee, FL, dentists use onlays if the degree of damage on your tooth is not substantive enough to require repairing the entire tooth enamel.

Dental Onlays vs. Crowns Longevity

At Smiles of Ocoee, the comparison between onlays and dental crowns is mostly regarding when they are preferable for restoring teeth. However, if you must make an informed decision, you should also consider their durability. Both dental restorations feature porcelain material. It means that regarding the sturdiness and durability of the material, they are similar. However, when it comes to longevity, there are a few differences. Many onlays last about ten years. You have to care for them, similar to how you care for other dental fillings. On the other hand, dental crowns last anywhere between 5-15 years. It largely depends on how you care for them and the quality of production by your dentist. Ultimately, the better care you offer both restorations, the longer they are likely to serve you. Some patients have had their onlays and crowns last for more than 20 years because they are intentional about caring for their teeth.

Prolonging the Life of Your Restorations

When you get dental crowns or onlays, the aftercare efforts you put in will reward your smile. Some of the tips that can help you prolong the life of your restorations are:

• Brush your teeth at least twice every day – choose a good fluoride toothpaste and pair it with a new toothbrush. It makes a difference to replace your toothbrush every three months, ensuring it is in the best condition to keep your teeth clean.
• Floss daily.
• Watch what you eat – food plays a significant role in dental health. Healthy foods like fruits and vegetables will be instrumental for minerals and nutrients in your body and mouth. Besides, avoiding unhealthy foods can protect your dental health.
• Have routine dental visits – the visits will allow your dentist to monitor the state of your restoration, checking for any indications of cavities or damage.
• Break bad habits – like those that involve crushing, biting, or chewing hard foods. While dental restorations are sturdy, they are not nearly as strong as natural teeth.