Have you ever bitten down and felt a jolt from a chipped tooth or noticed an unsettling crack in a molar? If so, you’re not alone. Countless people grapple with the uncertainty of dental damage, wondering whether an inlay, an onlay, or another fix is the answer.
The choice can feel daunting, but understanding the difference between these treatments can empower you to take control of your dental health with confidence.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations made to fit into or over your tooth. They’re often referred to as “indirect fillings” because, unlike traditional fillings that are molded into place during a dental visit, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab and bonded to your tooth during a second visit.
They’re made from durable materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold. They are designed to blend in with your natural teeth while restoring strength and function.
Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth, much like a standard filling, but they offer greater durability. Onlays are slightly larger and extend over one or more of the cusps (the raised parts of your tooth’s surface). Think of onlays as a middle ground between a filling and a full dental crown.
When You Might Need an Inlay
You might need an inlay if you have a cavity or fracture that is too large for a regular filling but doesn’t require a full crown. For example, if you’ve had a moderate cavity on a back tooth that affects the center chewing surface but hasn’t reached the outer edges, an inlay could be the ideal solution.
Inlays allow you to preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible while still strengthening the area that’s been weakened by decay or damage.
Another reason to consider inlays is if you want a restoration that lasts longer than a traditional filling. Fillings, especially those made from amalgam, may eventually crack or leak. Inlays offer a longer-term solution and are precisely crafted to fit your tooth with minimal risk of shrinking or expanding over time.
When Onlays Are the Better Choice
Onlays come into play when the damage extends beyond the grooves of your tooth and involves one or more cusps. Let’s say you’ve cracked a tooth during a sports activity or you grind your teeth at night and have worn down a portion of your molar. An onlay can cover and protect the damaged area without needing to reshape your entire tooth for a crown.
You benefit from an onlay when a crown feels like overkill but a filling won’t cut it. Onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure than crowns do, and they’re less invasive. They can be used to treat larger cavities or fractures and are custom-designed to provide a snug, seamless fit.
How Your Dentist Decides
Your Layton dentist will help you decide whether you need an inlay or onlay by first evaluating the damage with a combination of visual examination and X-rays. They’ll assess how much healthy tooth structure remains, whether the tooth’s integrity is compromised, and how well a restoration can protect it from further damage.
If you’ve recently noticed pain while chewing, temperature sensitivity, or visible damage to a tooth, don’t ignore it. These could be signs that a simple filling won’t be enough and that you need something stronger to prevent future issues like infection or tooth loss.
Advantages of Inlays and Onlays
When you choose inlays or onlays, you’re getting a restoration that’s not only durable but also aesthetically pleasing and functionally strong. Both options are custom-made to match your tooth’s natural color and shape, giving you a seamless restoration that feels and looks great. You’ll also enjoy better longevity compared to basic fillings, often getting 10–30 years of use with proper care.
Here are a few benefits of inlays and onlays:
- Tooth Preservation: They conserve more of your natural tooth compared to crowns.
- Durability: Made from strong materials that withstand daily chewing forces.
- Fit and Seal: Their precise fit reduces the risk of bacteria entering the tooth.
Caring for Your Restoration
Once you’ve received an inlay or onlay, taking care of it is straightforward. You’ll still need to brush twice a day, floss daily, and schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the health of the restored tooth and your overall oral hygiene.
Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or your fingernails, as these can damage your restoration. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and your dental work.
Making the Right Choice
Understanding the differences between inlays and onlays gives you the power to ask the right questions during your dental visit. If your dentist suggests one of these treatments, ask how much of your natural tooth will be preserved, what material is being used, and how long the restoration is expected to last.
By actively participating in your dental care, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best solution for your long-term oral health.
Ultimately, if you’re experiencing dental damage that’s too severe for a filling but doesn’t yet warrant a crown, inlays and onlays offer an excellent middle-ground option. They restore strength and function while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
If you’re dealing with a damaged tooth and wondering whether an inlay or onlay is the right solution, don’t wait until the issue worsens. Early intervention means less invasive treatment and a better outcome for your long-term oral health. Schedule a dental exam and let your Utah family dentist guide you toward the most effective option—whether that’s an inlay, an onlay, or another treatment plan designed specifically for you.