Inlays Vs. Onlays: What’s The Difference And Which Is Right For You?

Many people believe that crowns or fillings are the only choices available for repairing damaged or rotting teeth. However, there is a middle ground that provides precision, beauty, and strength: inlays and onlays. You’re in the right place if you’re not sure which one is best for your dental needs. Everything you need to know is broken down in an easy-to-follow pattern in this blog.

Inlays and Onlays: A Quick Brief

Let’s first dissect the distinctions before delving into them.

• Inlays: These are used to repair cavities in a tooth’s cusps, or elevated points. They are specially designed to fit nicely inside the tooth, much like the parts of a puzzle.
  
• Onlays: TThese cover one or more of the tooth’s points and extend past the cusps.  They are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns” due to the more coverage they offer.

Both are usually attached to the tooth for long-term endurance and are composed of porcelain, composite resin, or gold.

In What Ways Do They Differ?

The main difference is the extent to which they cover the tooth structure.  Here is a brief comparison:

• Because inlays are made to fit inside a tooth’s cusps, or pointed portions, they are perfect for correcting mild decay or damage that doesn’t harm the tooth’s outside edges. 

• Onlays, on the other hand, cover one or more cusps and provide greater strength and covering for teeth with more severe structural damage or weak spots.

• As a result, Onlays are frequently regarded as a more conservative option than complete crowns. Both choices are built to order and offer a realistic appearance, particularly when constructed of tooth-colored resin or porcelain.

What Makes One Better Than the Other?

The following variables influence the decision between Inlays and Onlays. Give it a read:

• Damage extent: Onlays are better for bigger areas or shattered cusps, whereas inlays are best for common decay.

• Tooth strength: If the tooth is weak, Onlays provide additional support.

• Aesthetic requirements: When made of porcelain, both options naturally blend in.

Conservative Restorations Are Becoming More Popular

Nearly 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and many are choosing conservative restorative options like inlays and onlays over complete crowns, according to the American College of Prosthodontists.

Patients’ desire for less intrusive procedures that maintain natural tooth structure while yet providing long-term advantages is the cause of this change.

The Advantages of Inlays and Onlays

These restorations are growing in popularity among patients and dentists for the following reasons:

• Preserve more natural tooth structure.
• Long-lasting and durable.
• Custom-fit for precision.
• Natural appearance.
• Less shrinkage than traditional fillings.
• Stronger than composite fillings.

Which One Is Right For You?

The best way to know is by consulting a dentist. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Choose an inlay if:
  
  • The damage is confined to the inner portion of the tooth.
  • You want a discreet, durable restoration.
    
• Choose an onlay if:
  
  • The damage affects one or more cusps.
  • You need more reinforcement than an inlay offers.
  • A full crown feels too aggressive.

Inlays and Onlays offer a strong, natural-looking solution without needing a full crown. Need a lasting fix for tooth damage? Ask our dentist if they’re right for you.