Dental Inlays and Onlays can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. They can help to preserve portions of the tooth that are still healthy, when the use of an amalgam filling or composite filling fails to adequately address the problem.
At Molongo Dental Surgery, our dentists use quality materials and advanced treatment procedures to ensure that our Inlays and Onlays provide the best protection for your treated tooth – against further bacterial infection – and an aesthetic work that seamlessly fills the gap with a durable solution that does not discolour or chip easily in the future.
For more information about Inlays and Onlays, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley – contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Dental Inlays and Onlays provide an indirect filling method for the treatment of cavities, particularly in cases where traditional fillings – also known as direct fillings – may be inadequate for the task.
While traditional fillings still play an important role when it comes to getting quick results in the treatment of cavities, the manual procedure used by dentists to fill the cavities tends to leave room for error, which can result in further damage to the tooth enamel or a less-than-ideal chewing surface.
Considered the more conservative approach, the use of inlays and onlays is ideal for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. As opposed to a dental crown that is used to completely cover a tooth, the inlay and onlay may be used to cover only a portion of the tooth. The difference between an inlay and onlay lies in the area of the tooth they cover.
While an inlay is placed within the centre of a tooth, an onlay covers one or more of the cusps (points on the biting surfaces) of the tooth. Although they may serve as a partial crown, they are sometimes deemed as ideal substitutes for the more expensive crown restoration.
Both inlays and onlays are prepared outside the mouth – fabricated in a dental lab – before they are bonded to the affected area of the tooth. It takes approximately two dental visits to complete the inlay or onlay treatment process, from the taking of the mould of the tooth – to create a precise blueprint, from which to fabricate the prosthetic – to the final placement.
Dental inlays and onlays help to preserve the maximum amount of your healthy teeth, prevent further damage to the tooth structure, and seal the area to keep put bacteria.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Modern versions of dental inlays and onlays are vastly improved iterations of their predecessors. Not only are they stronger and more durable, they also fit and bond better. They are also unobtrusive in your mouth, blending in seamlessly with the rest of your pearlies and are smaller than most tooth crowns. In the hands of a competent restorative dentist, they can be moulded to fit exactly – even fitting within incredibly tight spaces – so that they can help to stabilize the tooth and strengthen the structural integrity of the tooth.
Besides allowing for easy cleaning of teeth, the precise fit afforded by inlay/onlay restorations – as opposed to regular fillings and crowns – makes it easier to clean the tooth.
Unlike manually placed fillings, the precise fabrication of inlays and onlays make them fit snugly and closer to the tooth, hence reduce the possibility of gaps that make it difficult to clean out bacteria trapped underneath the crevices. Unlike the dental crown, inlays and onlays do not cover the entire tooth, hence makes it easier to clean deeply into the gums. Extremely strong and stable, dental inlays and onlays are akin to a tiny piece of armour suit for the tooth’s protection.
Do you have a large cavity that needs to be repaired and filled? Dental Inlays and Onlays offer the modern restorative technique to beautify and strengthen your damaged tooth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An inlay may be described as a sophisticated type of filling that sits snugly within the grooves of your tooth. It is designed to cover the chewing surface without extending beyond the cusps (the pointed parts of your molars). An onlay, on the other hand, is used to cover a more extensive area. Not only does it fill the grooves but also wrap over one or more cusps – which essentially acts as a partial crown. Both the inlay and onlay are custom-made to fit your tooth perfectly. The only difference between the two lies in application, and that really depends on how much of the tooth’s structure needs reinforcement.
The cost typically ranges from $600 to $1,500 per tooth. The cost difference depends on factors like the material used (i.e. composite resin versus porcelain) and the complexity of the case. While the porcelain material tends to be pricier due to its durability and natural appearance, composite is a more budget-friendly option. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we provide itemised quotes upfront so there are no surprises. We also accept health fund rebates to help ease the financial burden.
Inlays and onlays are built to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. With proper care, they can even last longer. The lifespan of inlays and inlays often surpasses that of traditional fillings and, in some cases, crowns. The key to their longevity is maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding excessive force on the restored tooth, and attending regular check-ups. Our experienced team at Molonglo Dental Surgery will guide you on how to maximise their lifespan.
While many Australian health funds offer partial coverage for inlays and inlays treatment, the exact amount varies depending on your policy. During your visit, our friendly staff can help to check your eligibility and even process claims on-the-spot. This would spare you the hassle of paperwork while you focus on your dental treatment.
While crowns present an excellent choice for heavily damaged teeth, they require removing a significant portion of healthy tooth structure. Inlays and onlays, on the other hand, are far more conservative, because they preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. It really depends on your individual case. Inlays and inlays are ideal when the damage isn’t severe enough to warrant a full crown but is too extensive for a standard filling. Consider it a smarter, less invasive solution.
In most cases, no. It takes time to custom fabricate your inlays and onlays to ensure a perfect fit and bite alignment. Rest assure, however, that we will make every effort to provide temporary protection to safeguard your tooth between appointments and to minimise the number of visits that you would have to make. We will work around your schedule and make the process as seamless as possible for you.
Yes. At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we use high-quality, tooth-coloured materials like ceramic or composite resin, which we carefully match to your existing shade. The result is a seamless restoration that blends in so well that no one will even notice that it’s there.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we take immense pride in our ability to combine cutting-edge digital precision with minimally invasive techniques – not forgetting, a touch of aesthetic artistry. Our goal is to restore both function and beauty without over-treating. As a responsible local Canberra clinic, we also offer affordable rates and flexible payment plans to ensure our dental treatment services fit every budget and need.