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Inlays and onlays are inlays and crown onlays that are an alternative to traditional large fillings. Importantly, these modern fillings strengthen the tooth and enable the reconstruction of the anatomical shape of the tooth. In addition, they are very durable and resistant to abrasion. Inlays and onlays are made on the basis of tooth impressions and then glued to the cavities.
What is the difference between inlay and onlay?
Inlay and onlay are solutions resembling crowns. Inlay means input and onlay means input. In both cases, the tooth is rebuilt using a porcelain or composite element to replace the tooth crown. By using inlays and onlays, we obtain the effect of a crown with nodules, i.e. a natural surface that allows chewing. Such an effect is not possible if we use a traditional filling, i.e. a seal. It is also worth remembering that such a solution is also more resistant to abrasion.
The inlay is used on large surfaces of the teeth that chew food. It is placed on the tooth in such a way that it is in contact with the natural crown of the tooth on at least two sides.
The onlay is used for other types of cavities. If the cavity is very large, it is called an overlay. Onlay recreates not only the chewing surface, but also the nodules. The overlay overlay recreates the entire bumps and side surfaces that come into contact with other teeth.
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Which type of filling is worth choosing?
Inlays and onlays are a modern type of filling and are often a better solution than a traditional seal. Most importantly, onlays and inlays strengthen the tooth, especially onlays and overlays. It is important here that thanks to them the pressure forces are evenly distributed during biting. Therefore, these fillings reduce the risk of tooth damage.
What is also very important, the inlays and onlays are very aesthetic, and the dentist can match their shade to the color of the tooth and adjacent teeth.
A very important advantage of inlays and onlays is their high durability (even several years longer than in the case of a traditional seal). They are much more durable and resistant to abrasion, and they protect the tooth against the recurrence of caries. However, it should be remembered that their durability is very much influenced by hygiene and the size of the cavity.
Onlay is also an excellent alternative to traditional methods of restoring tooth walls that are in contact with other teeth. By using onlays, we obtain the natural appearance of the tooth and the width of the gap between the teeth.
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How are inlays and onlays made?
The inlays and onlays are made by a prosthodontist. The treatment of the tooth is similar to that of a traditional filling, i.e. a filling. The most important step is to heal the tooth. During treatment, diseased tooth tissues are removed and the tooth crown is prepared.
Then an imprint of the tooth is made with the help of a plastic mass. It is necessary to choose the color of the filling from the sampler. Only after having an imprint, the prosthetist can prepare an inlay or an onlay. During its preparation, a traditional filling is placed in the tooth.
After the onlay or inlay is prepared, it is placed in the tooth at the next visit. It happens that the inlay does not fit perfectly because it has to fit both the treated tooth and the adjacent teeth.
If the corrections are small, the dentist can make them right away. If the insert or the onlay is badly matched, unfortunately it should be sent back to the prosthetist for correction.
What are inlays and onlays made of?
Inlays and onlays are made of composite materials and porcelain. It is worth knowing that this type of filling is not used on the front teeth.
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What are the indications for the use of inlays and onlays?
This method is used to restore molars and premolars. Thus, contributions and outlays relate to the so-called fours, fives, sixes, sevens and eights.
Often, on the other hand, inlays and onlays are used to treat mechanically damaged teeth, in the case of extensive fillings, e.g. after root canal treatment, as well as extensive cavities that did not arise as a result of root canal treatment.
A tooth treated in this way must have adequate support. Therefore, the dentist will not offer us inlays and outlays if, for example, the natural tooth crown was damaged as a result of root canal treatment or only thin walls of the tooth remain after treatment. If such damage has occurred, the tooth must be rebuilt in the traditional way, i.e. with the use of a crown-root inlay and a full crown that will be fixed on the inlay.
What is the treatment with inlays and onlays?
When treating teeth with the use of inlays and onlays, we must make an appointment for two visits. During the first visit, the dentist cleans the tooth of caries, prepares the cavity properly and takes an impression. At the same visit, the doctor determines the color of the insert or onlay with the patient and sends the impression to the prosthetist. At the end of the visit, the dentist places a temporary filling on the tooth.
Inserts and onlays of this type are prepared by a prosthetist in the studio. At the next visit, the dentist removes the temporary dressing and places an inlay or overlay in the defect. It uses a special cement for this purpose.
It is worth knowing that inlays and onlays are more time-consuming than other traditional fillings. However, this solution is worth the time, because this method is much more aesthetic and there is hardly any difference between healthy teeth and the restored one.
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