Ceramic Inlays and Onlays

Ceramic Inlays and Onlays are a more sturdy and effective method to fix cavity stricken teeth and strengthen the tooth where needed. An inlay is a pre-molded filling that is produced in a dental laboratory created to fit the gap precisely. For this reason dental inlays/onlays take much longer to complete but is capable of lasting a lifetime.

Cavities are a major concern in the dental world affecting everyone from children to adults. Cavities in the back molars are difficult to clean using a tooth brush and are therefore able to infiltrate the core or root of the tooth leading to gum disease or severe dental aches.

Ceramic Inlays is the process of filling root cavities thus helping to restore and strengthen teeth from within. Inlays usually fill in the space of the dentine. Inlays provide back molars the ability to bite and chew as normal after a root canal has been done. Ceramic closely matches your tooth’s structure and is colored to the exact shade of your teeth. The inlays, once developed are permanently glued in with dental cement.

Ceramic Onlays is the same as an inlay, but instead of a tube shape that fits within a tooth, is instead shaped to fit the outer surface of the tooth to take the place of the enamel. Onlays restore a tooth’s outer surface and after cavities may have compromised its structure.

Inlays and onlays are placed the same way as any ordinary filling is. The cavity is removed the area cleaned out and the inlays are placed once completed. Inlays/Onlays take much longer and are completed in two visits to the dentist. In the first one, your dentist will clean and make a mould of the gap created. He or she will also take a digital image of the colour of your tooth that will help the technician choose the precise colour for the filling. The clay mould and images are sent to a lab, where a technician constructs one to fit precisely in the space. The permanent filling is bonded permanently using a special glue.

There are various benefits to obtaining inlay/onlay when compared to a traditional filling:

• Ceramic inlays and onlays closely match your tooth’s colour.
• Inlays and onlays will never discolor, retaining its original shade throughout
• Almost invisible allowing you to laugh and bite without worry that someone will notice the fix
• Permanently protect that tooth from future decay
• Is free of harmful substances