Affordable dental inlays and onlays in Swansea
If you have trouble with tooth decay and cavities, you may have encountered “inlays and onlays” as a treatment option.
Inlays and onlays are “indirect fillings”, meaning they are placed outside the tooth as a solid piece that fits into the shape and size of the cavity. They are used when the tooth has experienced too much damage to support a filling but not so much damage that a dental crown is needed.
At Swansea Dental Practice, we offer inlays and onlays as solutions to large cavities in the back molars. Custom-made from the highest quality materials, our inlays and onlays are made to last. We will restore the strength and functionality of your tooth in two short appointments.
Contact us on (02) 4971 1432 to book an appointment today.
What is the difference between inlays and onlays?
The main difference between inlays and onlays is the amount of the tooth they cover and the part of the tooth they cover. Dental inlays, for example, are fitted and moulded to the chewing surface of the tooth that has been damaged via trauma or decay.
Onlays, on the other hand, are used to fix damage and deterioration to the cusps of the tooth and the biting surface. The cusps are the raised points on the tooth located on the edges near the tongue and cheeks.
Depending on the location and damage of the tooth, your dentist might recommend an inlay or onlay to help repair the tooth, restoring its full strength and structure.
Are inlays and onlays better than dental fillings or crowns?
Inlays and onlays are often compared (or used interchangeably) with fillings. These treatments are very similar—they involve removing the existing cavity with a drill and covering the empty space. However, that’s where the similarities end.
Fillings use a composite resin or material to cover the area, and they are quick and can be completed in one appointment.
Inlays and onlays cover the empty space using a single piece made in a dental lab. They are also better than fillings in cases where the cavity is quite large or the damage is excessive.
Inlays and onlays are designed specifically for the exact shape and size of the tooth, so bacteria and food can’t enter the space (leading to further tooth decay). Because of this, they have a lower chance of failing.
Inlays and onlays are considered less aggressive treatments than dental crowns. Dental crowns cover the entire biting surface of the tooth above the gumline. Crowns are a better option when a large amount of the tooth needs to be removed.
What are inlays and onlays made from?
Because inlays and onlays can be created from tooth-coloured materials, they often replace metal fillings for patients who want a more natural appearance. Inlays and onlays are typically made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold alloy.
We recommend porcelain or composite resin for a natural tooth colour and appearance.
After your first appointment, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental laboratory. We will match the colour of your new inlays or onlays to the natural colour of your teeth so your treatment will blend seamlessly into your smile.
You will require a second appointment to have your new inlays or onlays applied to your teeth.
What is the dental procedure involved with this treatment?
If your dentist finds a large cavity in your tooth, they will prepare the tooth for an inlay or onlay by removing the damaged tooth material. Then, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth and bring it to the dental laboratory where your inlay or onlay will be made.
In the meantime, we will insert a temporary dental onlay or traditional filling to ensure your tooth is comfortable until your next appointment, at which time we will fit your new inlay or onlay and cement it into place.
It’s a simple process, but it will require two appointments.
FAQs
Dental surgery is typically not required for inlays and onlays, as these treatments are noninvasive procedures. However, if the tooth is severely damaged or if decayed tooth material needs removal, your dentist may need to perform a minor procedure to prepare the tooth’s surface before applying the inlay or onlay.
The process is usually quick, and recovery is minimal, as these treatments are designed to restore the tooth’s surface without extensive surgery.
No! One of the main advantages of inlays and onlays is that they can be made from materials like composite resin, which can be custom-matched to the natural teeth. This makes them an almost invisible dental restoration, blending seamlessly with your smile and restoring the natural appearance of your tooth’s surface.
Inlays and onlays can significantly improve oral health by preventing further decay and strengthening weak or damaged teeth. By replacing decayed tooth material with a custom-fitted restoration, these treatments help protect teeth from additional damage and restore proper function, making it easier to chew and speak.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can provide long-term benefits to oral health.
Contact Swansea Dental Practice for a routine check-up and determine if inlays or onlays are suitable for you
Are you concerned about one (or more) of your teeth? Contact our friendly and professional team at (02) 4971 1432 to make an appointment for a routine check-up. Our dentists can examine your teeth more closely and determine if there are any cavities or signs of tooth decay.
We take a minimalist approach to dental care, ensuring all patients receive high-quality dentistry at affordable prices (including inlays and onlays).
For the inlays and onlays Swansea has come to trust, contact us today.