Inlays And Onlays In Dentistry

Inlays and onlays are state of art, conservative dental restorations. Dental Inlays and Onlays are the procedures that are mid way between dental filling and dental crowns. Inlays and onlays are used when there is not enough tooth structure to support a filling yet there is also not enough damage for a dental crown. Traditional filling can reduce the strength of natural teeth whereas as an alternative inlays/ onlays being bonded directly onto a tooth using special resins can actually increase the tooth strength. Dental inlay lies within the cusp on chewing surface of teeth. On the other hand, an onlay is more extensive and tends to cover multiple cusps area.

Inlays And Onlays In Dentistry

Materials Used in Inlay/ Onlay Dentistry Both inlays/ onlays can be composed of gold, resin or ceramic.

  • Traditionally gold has been the material of choice.
  • In recent years, porcelain has become popular due to its strength and colour that matches the natural colour of tooth.

Procedure for Inlay/ Onlay Dental Treatment An Inlay/ onlay is a solid filling made outside the mouth and then cemented into the tooth. Procedure is done in two dental visits.

  • At first visit, the old filling and decay is removed and tooth is prepared.
  • Dentists then take impressions of the tooth and send this impression to dental laboratory.
  • Impression is used by the lab to construct a custom made porcelain or gold inlay/onlay.
  • At the second visit the temporary sealant is removed. Then inlay/ onlay is bonded into the tooth with a strong bonding resin and polished smooth.
  • A quality assurance check is done for any readjustments or reworks of the inlay/ onlay dental crown.

Advantages of Inlays/ Onlays in Dentistry

  • With respect to the filling, increase the strength of tooth.
  • These are the best alternatives to a crown when teeth damage is not extensive.
  • Gives better aesthetic appearance as compared to amalgam filling. No metal shows.
  • Well sealed tooth
  • Long lasting
  • Strong once bonded to the tooth.

Disadvantages of inlays/ onlays

  • More expensive than amalgam
  • Needs two appointments
  • Can fracture

Inlay/Onlay Dentistry in India

India has positioned herself as a dominant medical care provider. In India world class dental treatment is provided at reasonable prices. India is now recognized for production of high quality dental restorations products, at extremely competitive prices. Patient from all across the world are using products manufactured at the dental labs in India. The cost of inlay/ onlay dental procedure in India is $50- $100 whereas $300-$ 400 in US and UK.The expertise in inlay/ onlay work include

Dr Anshu Gupta’s advanced dental care centre, Chandigarh
Dr Garg’s multispeciallity dental centre
Apollo Dental Clinics, Delhi, Mumbai

Having inlays or onlays is similar to filling done but inlays and onlays tend to be better in strength and durability than fillings. One should visit the dentist regularly for professional checkups.