Inlay, Onlay, Crown

Inlay vs Onlay vs Crown

There are many different types of fillings and restorations used to preserve tooth structure when a tooth has decay. The dentist will determine which type of restoration to move forward with based on how much tooth structure is left after cleaning out the infection.

Inlays

Inlays go inside of a tooth to replace the missing tooth structure that was damage by decay. A dentist will use this method when a small amount of tooth structure needs to be fixed.

Onlays

An onlay also fits inside the tooth but extends onto the chewing surface to go over areas such as cusps (the “points” of your teeth) to rebuild the structure while also repairing any damage. .

Crown

A crown is a “cap” that covers the surface of your tooth and is visible above the gumlines. They can distribute the daily pressure of chewing and biting across the entire surface.

Crowns are often recommended when a patient has had a root canal because the tooth is no longer alive. Crowns and root canals go hand in hand because the cap helps to protect the remaining tooth structure. An inlay or onlay would not the best approach in most of these situations, because the exposed enamel could dry out and start to chip away, furthering the damage.

Also..

Crowns, inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain.

The biggest benefit of opting for an inlay or onlay as opposed to getting a crown is that you’re able to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible if you have enough tooth to do so. Three-quarter crowns are less invasive procedures and very popular amongst our patients. They allow you to compliment the remaining healthy enamel and we design them in house the same day using Cerec Technology.