What is Inlay Onlay?
Inlay and onlay is a solution between filling and crown (veneer). It is an aesthetic treatment method applied to teeth that do not have enough tooth tissue to be filled or are not damaged enough to be coated.
The difference between them is related to the area they cover. Inlays are more similar to fillings, but they are located between the mounds (tubercles) on the chewing surface of the teeth. Onlays, on the other hand, are made to cover one or more tubercles.
What are the Ingredients?
Inlays and onlays are made of ceramic, fiber-reinforced composite or porcelain-composite hybrid materials. If the other tooth in contact is natural, composite or porcelain, the appropriate material is preferred.
Why is it preferred?
Generally, in teeth that have undergone root canal treatment or severely decayed teeth, insufficient intact tooth tissue remains after the decay is cleaned. For the treatment of these teeth, the tooth needs to be reduced in size, that is, material loss is required for porcelain crown veneer construction in classical methods. Inlay onlay fillings are preferred so that the weakened tooth tissue is not weakened by the physician. Since inlays and onlays are prepared on the model, the desired anatomical form and contact are easily achieved. In addition, they are made of materials that are physically and chemically closer to the tooth tissue than classical fillings. With these features, they have abrasion and durability closer to the tooth tissue.
What is the Lifespan of an Inlay Onlay?
The lifespan of an inlay or onlay depends on the material it is made of, the condition of the tooth, chewing forces, the degree to which the patient pays attention to oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. They usually maintain their function in a healthy way for decades.
How is the application done?
Since inlays and onlays are prepared in the laboratory, they can be completed in two appointments. The remaining healthy tooth structure allows the dentist to decide whether to make inlays or onlays. At the first appointment, the decay is cleaned and impressions are taken of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling material. The impression is sent to the laboratory. At the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed. The tooth is rehearsed and sent to the laboratory for polishing. The tooth is cleaned at the same time. The inlays or onlays are bonded to the tooth using a special adhesive. The bite is precisely adjusted and polished by the dentist. What should be done after the treatment? It takes 2 hours for the adhesive to be fully completed. During these 2 hours, it is free to drink anything but it is not allowed to eat.
What are the Points to be Considered in Daily Life?
For the maintenance of inlays and onlays, only regular oral care including tooth brushing, flossing and regular visits to the dentist is required.
What are the Advantages of Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?
They are aesthetic, long-lasting, preserve the remaining intact tooth tissue, minimize the risk of edge leakage and new caries formation, tooth-restoration compatibility is very sensitive.
