Inlays or Onlays

inlays-onlays Inlays or onlays are two methods of restoring normal tooth structure after damage or decay. In short it can help protect the original tooth structure and can actually strengthen the remaining tooth.

TREATMENT TIME

Usually 2 office visits; 1-2 hours each per tooth

Maintenance

Brush and floss daily
Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist
Also reduce intake of refined sugars and chewy foods such as caramels

Results

More conservative that a full crown
Gold is most functional and longest – lasting method of restoring teeth, but large restorations tend to show metal.
As a matter of fact Porcelain can be a highly esthetic replacement for discolored or metal posterior fillings
Composite resin can match tooth color well

Treatment Longevity

Gold: 6-20 years
Porcelain: 5-15 years
Composite resin: 5-12 years
Well – suited for large cavities

Advantages

GOLD:

Longest lasting
Wears more like tooth structure
Will not fracture

PORCELAIN:

Esthetic (tooth – colored)
Stronger than posterior composite resins
Extremely good bond to tooth structure
Will not stain
Insulating

COMPOSITE RESIN:

May be less expensive than other options
More expensive than amalgam

Disadvantages

GOLD:

Metal can show
Takes 2 office visits
Noninsulating (conducts heat and cold)

PORCELAIN:

Can fracture in the long run
Take 2 office visits (unless it is designed and created by machine in the dentist’s office)
Possible wear of opposing natural tooth