When is an inlay better than a filling?
If more than a third of the chewing surface is destroyed, a large composite filling over time gives shrinkage, micro-leakage and secondary caries. The ceramic inlay is made in the laboratory from an impression, accurately repeats the anatomy of the cusps and fissures and creates tight contact with the adjacent tooth. It does not change color and is close in strength to the tooth’s own tissues.
How does an onlay differ from a crown?
A crown covers the entire tooth, while a veneer or inlay restores only part of its surface. Therefore, grinding is minimal: much more of your own tissue is preserved, which means the tooth itself lasts longer.
Veneers are placed on the front group and solve aesthetic problems: color, shape, chips, gaps between teeth. Inlays (inlays, onlays) are used on chewing teeth when the cavity is too large for a filling, but the tooth does not yet require a crown.
Veneers and inlays: options
- laboratory-made ceramic veneers – precise fit, stable color
- e-max veneers made of lithium disilicate – high strength with low thickness
- laboratory-made composite veneers are more affordable, but less resistant to staining
- ceramic inlay - restores the chewing surface while maintaining anatomy
- composite inlay - a compromise between filling and ceramics
- metal insert - maximum strength where aesthetics are not important
How is the work going?
At the first visit, the doctor selects the color, minimally prepares the surface of the tooth and takes an impression. A temporary overlay may be installed during production. On the second visit, the structure is tried on dry, the fit and shade are checked, and then fixed with adhesive cement - it is this bond that ensures strength.
Who is not suitable for veneers?
Veneers are not placed in case of severe bruxism without a protective mouth guard, in case of significant tooth decay (then a crown is needed), in case of active gum inflammation and untreated caries. In these cases, the doctor will suggest a different plan.