Dental restorations known as inlays and onlays are commonly employed to treat teeth that have suffered damage or decay.
While these treatments share some similarities, there are also distinct differences between them:
Location:
Inlays are utilized to fix issues within the cusps of a tooth, whereas onlays are employed to repair damage or decay that extends beyond the cusps, potentially covering one or more cusps of the tooth.
Preparation:
Inlays and onlays are both custom-made in a dental laboratory, but inlays require less removal of tooth structure than onlays since they only cover the damaged area within the cusps. On the other hand, onlays necessitate more tooth structure removal to accommodate the larger restoration.
Size:
Inlays are usually smaller than onlays since they only cover the damaged area within the cusps, while onlays are larger and can potentially cover one or more cusps, extending onto the tooth’s surface.
Materials:
Both inlays and onlays can be crafted from various materials like porcelain, gold, or composite resin. The selection of material is typically based on the specific requirements of the patient and the location of the restoration.
Inlays and onlays are effective means of restoring damaged or decayed teeth. However, they are used in different circumstances and need different preparation techniques. Your dentist can help you decide which option is suitable for your individual needs.