Inlays and Onlays
teeth RECONSTRUCTION
MODERATELY AFFECTED WITH CARIES
Dental inlays or onlays are used for the reconstruction of teeth that are mild to moderately affected by caries. They are also used in the case when the tooth is cracked or damaged, in situations when the damage is not so great as to use a dental crown. Dental inlays and onlays are most often made of ceramics, composites, but also of gold. Dental inlays are used for cavities or cracks located on the upper surface of the teeth. They are made in the color of the teeth, and are often used as a replacement for black amalgam fillings in order to achieve better tooth aesthetics.
Dental onlays are used in cases when caries affects a larger area of the tooth and when it is necessary to compensate for a larger part of the dental crown.
The process of placing dental inlays or onlays begins with cleaning the teeth and removing caries. An impression is then taken and sent to a laboratory where the inlay or onlay is made from one of the mentioned materials. Until the next visit to the dentist, the tooth is temporarily closed. When the tooth inlay or onlay is ready, it is carefully placed on the tooth and fastened with strong resins.
Because dental inlays and dental inlays are made on the basis of a personalized impression, they enable the structural strength of the damaged tooth to be maintained, prevent the entry of bacteria and the formation of cavities.
The advantages of dental inlays and onlays compared to conventional fillings are the following:
• They are made in the color of the teeth, so they are almost invisible.
• They are more resistant to changes in temperature and in general, so they can last 30 years or more.
• They require much less grinding of teeth than ordinary fillings.
• They preserve the damaged tooth for a long time, increasing its resistance and hardness by up to 70%.