Ceramic Dentistry: The Difference Between Inlays And Onlays

What Is Ceramic Dentistry?

Dental ceramics are widely used for dental repairs and cosmetic dentistry services. Ceramics are considered a biocompatible material that can be used to restore dental health without causing harmful side effects to your overall health. Ceramics are quite indiscernible from natural teeth and so are widely preferred for crowns, bridges, and veneers. Two uses of ceramic in restorative dentistry are inlays and onlays.

What Is A Dental Inlay?
A ceramic dental inlay is meant to repair damage to the surface of the tooth. Inlays are sometimes used to repair larger cavities as well. The difference between a dental filling and an inlay is that a filling is an amalgam or a composite material your dentist will use to fill the space of a cavity after cleaning out the area. This process usually only requires one visit to your dentist.

A dental inlay is a single, solid ceramic piece that is fabricated from a dental impression to precisely match the shape and size of your tooth. This customized inlay will be bonded to the surface of the tooth to replace the damaged area.  

What Is A Dental Onlay?
When the damage to your tooth covers a significant area or is more severe due to a crack, fracture, or decay, but not severe enough to require a dental crown, your dentist may opt for a dental onlay. Where a crown will cover or replace the entire structure of a tooth above the gum line, and an inlay will be applied to a small area of the tooth cusp, an onlay will cover more area of the cusp of the tooth, but not require the more invasive removal of the tooth structure like a crown would.

Like dental inlays, a dental onlay is fabricated to match the size and shape of the tooth needing repair after an impression is taken. Your dentist will bond the onlay to the tooth after addressing the decay or damage.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
This ceramic dentistry solution is a biocompatible restoration option to repair teeth that are moderately damaged or decayed, but not damaged enough to require a dental crown. There are many benefits to ceramic dentistry. Ceramic inlays and onlays:

• Are made from durable, mercury-free, biocompatible materials which can last many years if properly maintained
• Strengthen teeth by up to 75%, unlike traditional metal fillings which can actually reduce the strength of your teeth
• Prolong tooth life and prevent the need for more extensive dental treatment in the future

Options For Biocompatible Ceramic Dentistry With Dr. Korol Dental 

If you have a decayed or damaged tooth and you are seeking a healthy, holistic, and long-lasting alternative to traditional dental treatments, consider a ceramic dentistry solution. Ceramic inlays and onlays preserve your natural tooth structure, are biocompatible, durable, and can protect your teeth from further damage.

Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.