What are Inlays & Onlays

If your tooth is too damaged, decayed or broken, it could be hard to restore with just a filling, as your teeth need to be healthy enough to withstand it. Inlays and onlays are an indirect restoration that works even if they are badly damaged because they slip over larger cavities even. Besides, they are more durable than fillings – they last up to 30 years.

What is a dental inlay?

Inlays cover and fill the pits on the chewing surface of the tooth. They are applied to the exterior part of your tooth when it’s chipped, broken or damaged to restore a tooth that is too broken for a filling. They are custom-designed, cemented into place and intended to last for decades.

What is a dental onlay?

They cover one or more cusps of your teeth to protect a weakened tooth, distributing the forces around the tooth as if it was a partial crown. They are custom pieces created in a dental laboratory and placed onto your tooth. They are larger than inlays and cover more edges, they can cover half of a decayed tooth and are ultimately more costly than inlays.

What are inlays & onlays used for?

Inlays treat the damaged chewing surface of your tooth, and they are intended for more substantial decay than fillings.

Onlays are even larger and cover your tooth when the damage is too severe from decay.

They are designed as permanent solutions.

Am I suitable to get this treatment?

If your tooth just broke from a bad bite or it’s severely damaged from decay, this treatment is the perfect solution to bring your smile back and increase your self-confidence. These will cover the broken cusps of your tooth, meaning that you won’t need to pull it out. Call us at College Gate Dental Clinic, and we will make sure it’s the best solution for you.

Alternative treatments

Extraction can be painful and will leave you with a missing tooth, but it’s the best option bearing in mind that your tooth was severely damaged and couldn’t have been filled, as fillings are intended to restore your tooth when it suffered from less damage.

Inlay vs Onlay vs Crown

A crown needs to reshape your tooth significantly to ensure it fits well beneath the crown, whereas with an inlay or onlay, the ulterior goal is to preserve the greatest amount of tooth structure as possible, so it’s the best solution if you want to conserve it.

Inlay and onlay

The aim is to preserve the greatest amount of natural tooth.

Crown

They require tooth trimming.

Questions about Inlays & Onlays?

What is the difference between a dental inlay and a dental onlay?

The difference between these two indirect restorations is in the amount of surface area of the tooth that is being filled, so an inlay fills in the chewing surface of your tooth, and an onlay covers more than one edge, recovering great amounts of a damaged tooth.

What's used in a dental onlay?

Onlays are made of composite or porcelain resin that is coloured to the shade of your tooth and which are sealed in place to it with dental cement.

What's used in a dental inlay?

Inlays are usually made of a composite resin material, matching your tooth’s colour and providing an invisible restoration for your tooth. They are more durable than regular fillings, lasting up to 30 years.

What is the process in getting an inlay or onlay?

First, we will examine your teeth with an X-ray to check your nerves and gum support. Then, the procedure is similar to filling your teeth. The goal of inlays and onlays is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, so your dentist will numb the surrounding tissue to numb the affected area, then any decay will be removed, and an impression of your tooth will be made to create your custom-made inlays or onlays. A temporary filling will be used in the meantime. When your definitive inlay or onlay is ready, your dentist will bond it permanently in place onto your tooth.

Other Treatments to Consider

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of normally using hydrogen peroxide gel to whiten the colour of your teeth.

Dental Crowns

A Dental Crown is a custom-fit cap used to cover teeth that have been damaged or need repair.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a procedure in which a composite resin material is laid over the dental surfaces and then hardened with a special light.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite placed on the front of teeth to improve their shape, color, and alignment.

Inlays & Onlays

Are you looking for a smile makeover, we have the treatments that can offer you just that

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At College Gate Dental, we believe in making dental care accessible and stress-free. Whether you’re due for a routine check-up, need a second opinion, or have questions about treatment options, we’re here to help!

Find Us

College Gate Dental is conveniently located at College Gate Clinic, 123 Ballymun Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09W523, Ireland. We are easy to find, nestled in a vibrant area with ample parking and access to public transportation. Whether you’re coming by car or bus, our clinic is well-connected and ready to provide you with excellent dental care in a welcoming environment. We look forward to welcoming you!