Inlays & Onlays in Etobicoke
Custom-Made Restorations for Damaged Teeth
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for teeth with larger areas of damage or older, defective fillings. At Albion Dental Care in Etobicoke, they may be considered when a tooth needs more support than a tooth-coloured filling can provide, but not the full coverage of a dental crown, helping preserve appropriate healthy tooth structure. Whether they are suitable depends on your individual tooth.
What Are Dental Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations, meaning they are custom-made outside the mouth and then bonded to the prepared tooth. The main difference between them is how much of the tooth they restore:
An inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits within the prepared portion of a tooth, generally between its cusps.
An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth and may extend over one or more cusps when more tooth structure needs to be restored.
Your inlay or onlay is made by a dental laboratory to fit your tooth, then bonded into place by our dental team.
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
In suitable cases, dental inlays and onlays may offer patients a number of benefits:
Custom-Made Fit
Each inlay or onlay is made to fit the prepared area of your tooth.
Tooth-Coloured Appearance
When suitable materials, such as ceramic, are selected, the restoration can blend with your natural teeth.
Restores Damaged Areas
Inlays and onlays can restore areas of a tooth affected by decay, damage, or failing fillings.
Helps Preserve Tooth Structure
Because they restore the damaged portion of the tooth, they can help preserve appropriate healthy tooth structure.
An In-Between Option
In suitable cases, they offer a restorative option between a filling and a full crown.
Shape and Function
They are designed to restore the tooth’s shape and function for everyday biting and chewing.
When Are Inlays & Onlays Used?
After examining the tooth, your dentist may consider an inlay or onlay for:
Larger Areas of Damage
Damage that needs more support than a conventional filling may provide.Certain Cavities
Cavities too large for a filling that do not require a full crown.Defective Fillings
Older fillings that are large, worn, or breaking down.Weakened Areas
Cracked or weakened areas of a tooth, when clinically appropriate.Inlays & Onlays vs. Fillings and Crowns
Each restoration covers a different amount of tooth structure. No option is right for every tooth.
Fillings
Inlays & Onlays
Crowns
What to Expect During Treatment
Inlays and onlays are made by a dental laboratory and bonded to your tooth, often over two appointments:
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01
Examination & Planning
Your dentist assesses the tooth and discusses your restorative options.
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02
Preparation
Decay or the old filling is removed and the tooth is shaped.
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03
Scan or Impression
A digital scan or impression records the prepared tooth. A temporary may protect it while your restoration is made.
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04
Fitting & Bonding
The restoration is checked for fit, bonded into place, and your bite is adjusted as needed.
Inlays & Onlays at Albion Dental Care
Have a damaged tooth or an older filling that needs attention? Contact Albion Dental Care in Etobicoke to discuss whether an inlay or onlay may be suitable for your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A custom-made restoration that fits within the prepared portion of a tooth, generally between the cusps.
A custom-made restoration that covers a larger area of the tooth and may extend over one or more cusps.
The amount of tooth covered. An inlay fits between the cusps, while an onlay may include one or more cusps.
Not necessarily. Fillings suit many smaller cavities, while inlays and onlays may be considered for larger damage. The right choice depends on your tooth.
They restore different amounts of tooth structure. A crown covers much more of the tooth. Your dentist will recommend an option after examining the tooth.
Brush and clean between your teeth daily, attend regular dental visits, avoid chewing very hard objects, and follow your dentist's recommendations.