Inlays and onlays continue to develop and become closer and closer to a real tooth in terms of structure, durability and longevity. Because of their aesthetic and functional values, inlays and onlays will continue to be used for restorative purposes and will not find replacements anytime soon. As a [...]]]> Note: This article is the last part in a 4-part series about the cosmetic dentistry procedure of indirect fillings, and what patients need to know.

What Lies Ahead for Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays continue to develop and become closer and closer to a real tooth in terms of structure, durability and longevity. Because of their aesthetic and functional values, inlays and onlays will continue to be used for restorative purposes and will not find replacements anytime soon. As a matter of fact, the continuous evolution of the materials used in inlays and onlays suggest a potential capability of the said restorations to actually maintain tooth color in the near future.

Which Dentist to go to to get an Inlay or Onlay?

There are actually very few dentists who perform porcelain inlay and onlay procedures because of the absence of formal dental training and educational courses associated with the practice. Some dentists get their training from their experiences with working closely with dental technicians from whom they get feedbacks from. Others have high-tech machines that analyze a damaged tooth well, which equally helps them discuss the results with a technician to arrive at the best possible treatment options available for the patient. Some have in-house technicians assisting them while they examine their patients.

The Price Tags of Inlays and Onlays

Several factors affect the pricetag associated with a dental inlay or onlay procedure:

• The credibility and experience of the dentist. Those with more knowledge, training and experience in the procedure may charge higher than others.

• Locality. Rates sometimes vary depending on your location.

• Which teeth? Back teeth—which are much harder to work on—often cost more than front teeth restoration.

• Restoration material. Gold can cost more in some markets while porcelain can also be more costly if a highly skilled technician is the one who fabricates it.

• Inlay or onlay size. Size matters: the larger the inlay or onlay, the higher the price.

Inlays and Onlays and Dental Insurance Coverage

Depending on the dental insurance company, inlays and onlays may be placed on either basic or major service categories.

The basic category includes coverage for common, routine dental services such as dental fillings and cleanings. Companies can either have pre-set limits for such basic services, or cover a certain percentage of the inlay/onlay fee. The major category on the other hand, which includes services like full coverage dental crowns, often reimburses 50 percent of the coverage rate.

For dental offices that are well-experienced in providing inlay and onlay services, they would generally know the reimbursement rates of your insurance company. Remember that such rates will vary depending on your area, location or country. It would be wise to ask your dentist to provide a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company in order for you to better understand your insurance benefits in the dental field.

The goals of inlay and onlay procedures can be accomplished in generally two dental appointments. The first visit would require your dentist to get an impression of your damaged too using a molding material. This impression will be taken to a dental lab to begin custom-shaping the inlay or onlay.

Inlays and onlays can [...]]]> Note: This article is part 3 in a 4-part series about the cosmetic dentistry procedure of indirect fillings, and what patients need to know.

Inlays and Onlays: The Procedure

The goals of inlay and onlay procedures can be accomplished in generally two dental appointments.
The first visit would require your dentist to get an impression of your damaged too using a molding material. This impression will be taken to a dental lab to begin custom-shaping the inlay or onlay.

Inlays and onlays can be fabricated using various materials such as gold, resin or porcelain, with each material having unique appearances once restoration is complete. It is also possible to initially use a provisional or temporary inlay or onlay to protect the tooth while waiting for the final restoration to be created.

The different types of inlays and onlays have their own advantages and disadvantages. Gold is the best choice if aesthetics is not an issue. This material is often used in molar restorations, although choosing it for visible teeth is not very visually appealing. Porcelain is used in these cases instead. On the other hand, for people who suffer from malocclusion or have a habit of grinding their teeth, resin materials appear to be the best option.

During the second visit, if a temporary inlay or onlay has been previously attached, your dentist will remove this and replace it with the final restoration. If a provisional restoration has not been placed before, your final restoration will simply be appended.

Inlays and onlays are very effective restorations with very low chances of unsatisfactory results. Before the final touches are made, your dentist will ensure a perfect fit and zero bite-related problems. After which, the inlay or onlay will be fitted to the tooth, bonded and then the margins, polished.

Excellent Fit: Inlays and onlays have high regards over the tooth’s over-all existence and opt to carefully preserve as much healthy tooth as possible. People with average tooth decay problems will find these as better alternatives over full coverage crowns.

Tooth Color: Compared to resin fillings which [...]]]> Note: This article is part 2 in a 4-part series about the cosmetic dentistry procedure of indirect fillings, and what patients need to know.

Inlays and Onlays: Why The Conservative Approach is a Better Choice

Excellent Fit: Inlays and onlays have high regards over the tooth’s over-all existence and opt to carefully preserve as much healthy tooth as possible. People with average tooth decay problems will find these as better alternatives over full coverage crowns.

Tooth Color: Compared to resin fillings which easily discolor over the passing of time, inlays and onlays are very durable. It is rare that they lose color as fast as resin fillings do and they also tend to stand the test of time.

Tooth Structure Protection: Aside from restoring areas within the tooth that are suffering from tooth decay and other similar damage, inlays and onlays also preserve tooth structure and to maximize tooth life and performance.

Tooth Cleaning with Ease: Inlays and onlays are very easy to clean because they fit well with the tooth compared to full coverage alternatives. Also, since they do not shrink during curing unlike the way composite fillings do, inlays and onlays ensure a precise and perfect fit.

Tight Space Solutions: Cavity between teeth can be difficult to handle using composite fillings. Inlays can provide better sealing, resilience and bacteria protection solutions.

Strengthens and stabilizes: Inlays and onlays provide a very solid approach in the treatment of decay. Their excellent fit and quality material composition make them excellent tools for protecting and strengthening an already damaged tooth.

Protection of Weak Tooth: The weak areas of the tooth can be safeguarded by an onlay and total tooth reshaping will also not be needed.

There are several types of dental restorations which dentists use to treat tooth decay or similar damages, with inlays and onlays being some of the more preferred kinds over full coverage dental crowns. “Inlay” refers to the case when the material is bonded within the [...]]]> Note: This article is first in a 4-part series about the cosmetic dentistry procedure of indirect fillings, and what patients need to know. The rest of the sections will be posted every 5 days or so.

There are several types of dental restorations which dentists use to treat tooth decay or similar damages, with inlays and onlays being some of the more preferred kinds over full coverage dental crowns. “Inlay” refers to the case when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth. On the other hand, if the damage has spread over other cusps of the tooth, the restoration required is called an “onlay”.

These indirect fillings are often chosen over other reparative solutions because other than being aesthetically and functionally excellent, they are more durable and well-fitting, too. Compared to dental fillings, inlays and onlays are shaped not within the mouth, but in a dental laboratory prior to fitting and bonding them to the damaged tooth.