Tooth cleaning and preparation
The dentist carefully removes damaged or decayed tooth tissue. This is important to ensure a clean and healthy base for the inlay or onlay. The tooth is then ground to fit the future restoration as closely as possible.
A ceramic analogue of a filling in case of significant tooth decay is a restoration of the lost anatomic structure and function. The procedure makes it possible to preserve the natural tooth and internal structure for a tooth that will last at least another 20 years. The restoration is absolutely invisible.
Inlays and onlays are one of the most effective methods of restoring the aesthetics and functionality of teeth that have been partially damaged. This is especially true in cases where the damage is not significant enough to require a crown.
The procedure involves the fabrication of restorations in a dental laboratory from high-quality materials – these can be porcelain, composite resins, zirconia mixtures, or even gold.
These materials are chosen to achieve the optimal combination of strength, durability, and visual appeal to not only restore the tooth, but also give it a natural look.
Inlays
This is a form of dental restoration that is used to restore the inside of a tooth after decay or damage has been removed. An inlay is a prefabricated insert that precisely matches the shape of a cavity that has been cleaned of decay. Inlays can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, porcelain, composite, or zirconia and are set into the tooth using a special dental cement. This restoration method preserves a larger portion of the healthy tooth and is more gentle than a full crown.
Onlays
Used to restore a much larger portion of the tooth. They cover one or more of the chewing surfaces of the tooth and can go over the sides. Onlays are ideal for restoring teeth that have undergone significant decay, but are still suitable if they can be preserved without a full crown. Made from the same materials as inlays (porcelain, gold, composite resins, and zirconia), they provide durability and aesthetics, restoring the tooth’s functionality and appearance.
These two forms of restoration are chosen depending on the extent of damage to the tooth and treatment goals. Both inlays and onlays are individually created in dental laboratories to ensure a perfect match with the patient’s natural tooth shape.
They are used to restore the shape of teeth that have been partially destroyed by decay or trauma, preventing the need for complete extraction.
Protect teeth with large defects or wear from further damage by strengthening their structure.
Compared to crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth tissue, which is a less invasive procedure.
The insertion procedure usually takes less time, and patients adapt to inlays or onlays more quickly, returning to their normal lives.
Restore the correct height of the teeth and their anatomical shape, which improves chewing and makes it easier to process food.
Tight-fitting inlays and onlays protect decay-prone areas of the teeth from food debris and bacteria, reducing the risk of further infection and decay.
The smooth and non-porous surfaces of ceramic inlays and onlays make it easier to care for your teeth and promote healthy gums.
They are manufactured with a high degree of precision and can accurately mimic the colour and shape of neighbouring teeth, making the restoration virtually invisible.
Dental restorations are customised depending on the extent of damage and the functional needs of the tooth. Let’s take a look at when the different methods are used:
Crowns are the ideal choice for teeth that have undergone extensive decay. They provide complete coverage of the tooth, protecting it as much as possible from further damage and restoring its functionality and appearance.
Fillings are most suitable for minimal and superficial damage, such as small cavities. Thanks to modern materials, fillings restore the tooth quickly and effectively, and the procedure is relatively inexpensive.
Inlays and onlays are used when the damage to the tooth is significant, but not so severe as to require a crown. These restorations are custom-made and are designed to fit exactly into the tooth structure, restoring its form and function. They are highly durable and long-lasting, often exceeding the lifespan of conventional fillings.
These tooth restoration options provide varying levels of restoration and protection, and the best method depends on the specific clinical picture and treatment goals that the dentist determines with the patient.
The dentist carefully removes damaged or decayed tooth tissue. This is important to ensure a clean and healthy base for the inlay or onlay. The tooth is then ground to fit the future restoration as closely as possible.
Digital scans are used to make an accurate impression of the prepared tooth. This impression is necessary so that the laboratory can create an inlay or onlay that perfectly matches the shape and size of the tooth.
The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where an inlay or onlay is made. High-quality materials that match the colour and strength of natural teeth are used.
When the inlay or onlay is ready, the patient returns to the clinic for fitting. This step is critical to ensure a perfect fit and comfort. The dentist can make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the restoration matches the rest of the teeth perfectly in colour and shape.
The last step is to secure the inlay or onlay in place. A special solution is used to ensure the longevity and stability of the restoration. After placement, the dentist checks the occlusion of the teeth and, if necessary, performs the final correction.