Inlay Vs. Onlay
When considering dental veneers, there are several things to understand. Far from being limited to dentures or fillings, dentists can now repair or replace parts of individual teeth without damaging the structure of the tooth and in doing so can prevent further decay. There are several important differences between inlays and onlays that should be discussed with a dentist before agreeing to any procedure.
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Types
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Inlays are used by dentists to treat teeth that have been damaged below the surface of individual teeth.
Placing an inlay within the tooth halts the progress of decay or damage and inlays can also be used to replace old or damaged metal fillings.
Onlays are used to prevent decay from spreading into a tooth; onlays are placed on top of the tooth to replace the damaged enamel. Getting an onlay can prevent an individual from needing more extensive surgery later.
Both inlays and onlays can be made from metal, such as gold, or porcelain and resin materials that will be harder to distinguish from real teeth.
Function
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Both inlays and onlays are made to prevent further tooth decay or damage; by placing an inlay or an onlay onto a tooth that is experiencing damage, these dental fillings can halt the progress of the decay and keep an individual from losing a tooth or experiencing more structural damage in the mouth.
Inlays work by being placed beneath the cusp of a tooth. Cusps are the ridges and edges on the surface of teeth, particularly molars. Inlays are placed within part of the tooth itself, and replace the part of the tooth that has been damaged. Onlays work on the same principle, but they are placed over the top of a tooth as opposed to within it. -
Benefits
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Inlays and onlays offer numerous benefits to those who receive them. Applied to a decaying tooth, inlays stop damage below the cusps of the tooth from progressing further and can replace metal fillings that cause discomfort or pain. Onlays are used to prevent further damage on the top portion or surface of a tooth and can prevent the need for surgeries like dental crowns, bridges or implants later on.
One advantage of an inlay or onlay is that, unlike metal fillings, they can be made to match the color of the original tooth, making them indistinguishable from a healthy tooth.
Significance
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Dental inlays and onlays prevent patients from losing teeth. Getting an inlay or an only can stop
damage to a tooth from progressing any further, meaning that the individual will not have to have the tooth pulled or resort to dentures as a result of that decay.Those with sensitive teeth also receive the option of a porcelain or resin inlay or onlay that will remove the pain experienced when hot or cold food and drink come into contact with the tooth.
Considerations
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The terms inlay and onlay can also refer to architectural or artistic design techniques, where the same principle applies. A material used as an inlay will be placed into grooves or openings, whereas an onlay, like an applique or gold leaf, will be applied directly to the surface of something as decoration.
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