The Basics of Dental Inlays and Onlays

When teeth are affected from mild decay, or when old or damaged metal fillings need replacement, many Denver dentists turn to inlays and onlays to meet their patient’s needs.

Inlays are placed in the indented surfaces along the top of the teeth and can be made from porcelain materials colored to match the natural coloration of the tooth, or gold.

Onlays are used to restore the areas between the cusps of the damaged or decayed tooth, also using gold or porcelain, which can make them virtually undetectable with the naked eye. Onlays are often selected instead of dental crowns or as a means of delaying future implant placement, as they obviate the need for grinding down enamel from the tooth.

Benefits of inlays and onlays include that they are usually made of tooth colored materials and are therefore undetectable and more aesthetically pleasing. They do not react to cold or heat like other filling materials. This provides better support to the overall structure of the teeth. Inlays and onlays provide a long-term restoration and have been known to last for over thirty years.

Patients are often advised by their Denver dentist to have an inlay restoration in place of a composite or amalgam filling where decay is present between teeth because an inlay can more effectively seal the area from further decay.

A mold is taken of the damaged tooth from which the gold, resin or porcelain inlay or onlay is created. The selection of the material often depends upon the part of the mouth being restored. The part of the mouth being restored determines what materials should be chosen. Gold is recommended for molars as it is incredibly durable and offers better resistance to grinding and wear and tear. For treating teeth in the front or “smile” area, Denver dentists will suggest natural colored porcelains and resins.

Since they fit perfectly to the teeth, are made of sturdy materials, and fight the potential for corrosion within the mouth, they are ideally suited for treating seriously damaged teeth.