When a patient needs more than a filling but less than a crown, an inlay or onlay could be the perfect fit. These dental restorations are a great middle ground between smaller fillings and larger crowns, supporting your tooth without overdoing it.
Dr. Ashwini Bhave at Bay Area Dental Specialists is a prosthodontist uniquely skilled in tooth restoration. With more than four years of specialized post-graduate training after earning her dental degree and over 13 years in practice, Dr. Bhave is uniquely qualified to restore teeth using the least-invasive yet most effective techniques. Inlays and onlays are a perfect example.
Many patients assume they’re the same thing, and it’s true they’re very similar. But inlays and onlays have an important difference.
The Difference Between Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are specialized restorations designed to repair teeth that have sustained more damage than a standard filling can effectively repair; however, the damage isn’t severe enough to require a full crown.
They offer a customized, durable solution for cavities or other types of tooth damage.
- Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth’s biting surface, filling spaces without covering the cusps (the raised points).
- Onlays are larger than inlays. They cover the same area as inlays, plus at least one of the tooth cusps to provide extra protection and support to the damaged tooth.
With tooth-colored fillings, Dr. Bhave molds the composite resin to your teeth in layers. In contrast, we create inlays and onlays in a dental lab based on Dr. Bhave’s detailed design for your tooth. Dr. Bhave uses premium-grade dental bonding materials to securely affix your inlay or onlay, creating a seamless and strong repair.
Materials Used in Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain is the most popular choice for inlays and onlays because it mimics the natural appearance of your teeth. It’s also resistant to temperature changes, which helps maintain stability over time.
Composite resin offers a natural look but isn’t as durable as porcelain. Gold is another option. While strong and long-lasting, it’s quite prominent and rarely used these days.
In most cases, Dr. Bhave recommends porcelain for its durability and natural look, especially for front teeth.
Inlays and onlays, particularly those made of porcelain, have excellent survival rates, with one recent analysis showing a survival rate of better than 99% five years after placement.
Inlays and Onlays in San Jose, CA
At Bay Area Dental Specialists, Dr. Ashwini Bhave and our team prioritize your comfort and long-term dental health. With us, you’ll get dental restorations that are durable, beautiful, and comfortable. To schedule your consultation for inlays and onlays, call our office at 408-809-7760.