What Are Inlays/Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are effective restorative options for treating teeth with moderate damage when a filling isn't enough and a full crown isn’t necessary. Made from durable, tooth-colored porcelain, they offer a long-lasting solution that blends seamlessly with your natural smile. To learn how these restorations fit into a proactive care plan, visit our blog, Healthy Teeth for Life.

• Porcelain Inlays: These fit into the grooves of the tooth and do not extend over the cusps.
• Porcelain Onlays: These cover more surface area, including one or more cusps of the tooth.

Porcelain inlays and onlays are ideal for patients seeking a strong, discreet, and aesthetically pleasing restoration. At Schaumburg Dental Studio, we provide same-day inlays and onlays using state-of-the-art technology, allowing us to restore your tooth in a single visit.

Why Do Patients Need Inlays/Onlays?

Cracked or Chipped Teeth

Teeth that cannot be repaired with a simple filling do not require more extensive procedures, like a root canal or crown. Porcelain inlays and onlays are a middle-ground solution for teeth that are too damaged for a filling but don’t yet require a crown. A porcelain onlay can reinforce the structure when a tooth is cracked while preserving more of your natural enamel. Teeth that cannot be repaired with a simple filling do not require more extensive procedures, like a root canal or crown. In these moderate cases of damage or decay, dental inlays and onlays are often the most conservative yet effective option. They provide a strong, lasting restoration without needing a full crown.

Moderate to Severe Tooth Decay

When tooth decay results in the need for a dental inlay, onlay, or crown to save the tooth, inlays and onlays are particularly useful. They withstand the force of chewing better than fillings. Porcelain inlays and onlays also bond tightly to the tooth, sealing it and protecting it from further damage.

Traditional Inlay/Onlay Procedure: 2–3 Appointments

The traditional way of placing porcelain inlays and onlays typically requires multiple visits and the use of temporary restorations. Here's what patients can expect:

First Visit: Preparing the Tooth

After a consultation, a local anesthetic will be applied to the gums near your affected tooth. A drill will then be used to extract the damaged portion of your tooth. Next, your dentist will file down certain parts of your tooth to prepare the surface for the inlay or onlay materials to adhere properly.

Your dentist will then make an impression of your tooth using a dental tray and putty. That impression is then sent to a lab where your customized inlay or onlay is made. This process can take 2–4 weeks. In the meantime, your dentist will provide you with a temporary inlay/onlay to wear.

Why the Traditional Process May Be Less Ideal

• Multiple appointments may be inconvenient for patients with busy schedules.
• Temporary restorations may come loose or cause discomfort.
• Traditional impressions are often uncomfortable and less precise.

Second Visit: Receive Inlay/Onlay

Once the dental office has received your custom inlay/onlay from the lab, they will call you to schedule a follow-up appointment.

During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary inlay or onlay, clean your teeth, and place your permanent inlay/onlay in your mouth with dental cement.

Your dentist will finally smooth and polish the inlay or onlay to ensure a comfortable bite, prevent scraping of your mouth or tongue, and prevent interference with daily functions.

While this method has been used successfully for decades, many patients now prefer a faster, more comfortable alternative.

One-Day Inlay/Onlay Procedure: 1 Appointment

The Difference:

The entire procedure is done in one office visit. There are fewer numbing injections, and there are no dental impressions. At SDS, we use advanced Sirona Connect technology to take a more accurate and less uncomfortable digital image of your teeth than those trays filled with goo. Because we complete the procedure in one day, there is no need for an uncomfortable temporary inlay. Thanks to our CEREC crown and Sirona technologies, we can provide our patients with faster, more accurate, and more comfortable dentistry. Making the inlays/onlays in-house means fast edits can be made, ensuring you leave our office with a dazzling, comfortable smile. To learn how this streamlined process enhances your care, visit our blog on the Benefits of Same-Day Dentistry.

Benefits of Same-Day Inlays and Onlays

• Speed: Get your permanent porcelain inlay or onlay in just one visit.
• Precision: Digital imaging ensures an exact fit and minimal margin for error.
• Comfort: No more messy impressions or temporary restorations.
• Convenience: Ideal for busy patients who want quick yet high-quality care.

Many patients ask, “Is a porcelain inlay better than a filling?” The answer is yes in many cases, particularly when greater strength, durability, and aesthetic quality are desired. Inlays and onlays are especially suitable for molars that endure significant biting forces.

What Is the Difference Between Porcelain Inlays and Onlays?

This question is one of the most frequently asked. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Inlays: Fit inside the grooves of a tooth and are used when the damage does not affect the tooth’s cusps.
• Onlays: Extend beyond the grooves and cover one or more cusps, making them ideal for more extensive restorations.

Both are forms of dental inlays and onlays and can be created and placed during the same appointment using CEREC technology.

Conclusion

Experience the benefits of same-day porcelain inlays and onlays made possible by the latest dental technology, offering natural-looking, durable restorations completed in just one visit. Whether restoring a decayed tooth or replacing an old filling, these custom-fit solutions provide precise, long-lasting protection that enhances your smile's function and beauty. Learn more about how the Latest Dental Technology revolutionizes dental care and schedule your appointment today.