Onlay and Inlay

They make an excellent choice for significant damages to the solid tooth tissue. They are used in cases where endodontically treated teeth and caries are reaching the space between the teeth or when filling places that are difficult to reach. They are also used instead of fillings where it is difficult to meet the necessary conditions for classical composite fillings. They have been used for a long time in northern European countries because they guarantee an excellent aesthetic result and are very long-lasting.

Dentists at the Cukon Clinic are professionals which thrive to meet the needs of their patients and their well-being. The patient is in the center of attention, both professionally and personally. Restoration of decayed or broken teeth makes a great part of dental care. In the case of major defects, inlay or onlay is one of the most effective solutions for the reconstruction of a broken tooth. Their advantage is that they adhere better to the tooth, they are stronger and last longer than the fillings.

When Onlay and Inlay are an ideal solution

Dentists at the Cukon Clinic offer this solution when:

• Teeth are broken or damaged on the surface (including lumps);
• The damage is not large enough to require devitalization that could weaken the tooth;
• The damage caused by replacing the old filling is big and cannot be repaired;
• Tooth damage is big but does not require a full crown restoration.

Onlay – Surface reconstruction of teeth

As its name indicates, onlay covers the tooth surface. It is used when a more extensive surface is damaged and needs to be repaired. Onlay is bigger and it fills in the damaged tooth in places where the cusps (crowns) of the tooth have to be augmented. It makes contact with the opposing teeth when biting. The materials used to make Onlay can be visible (gold) and invisible (ceramic).

The difference between an onlay and a dental crown is that the Onlay replaces only a portion of the tooth while the crown covers the entire tooth.

Onlay does not require the extraction of the root canal. It is an excellent choice for those who want a minimally invasive dental treatment because they do not ask for a great adjustment like the crowns do.

Inlay – Internal tooth reconstruction

Inlay is placed in the middle of the tooth and does not have contact points with the teeth of the opposite jaw when biting.

It can be made in various materials:

• gold
• resin-based composite
• ceramics

They are stronger and last longer than the fillings. With proper dental hygiene, Inlay can last over 25 years.

When do we recommend reconstruction with Inlay?

• When a very large caries is present as well as the desire for a more permanent solution;
• To change the old filling;
• Reconstruction of a broken or devitalized tooth;
• Reconstruction of contact surfaces;
• Aesthetics.