Inlay, onlay
Inlay is an indirect restoration (filling) produced to order in a lab and cemented to the tooth. Onlay is the same but covering or onlaying the missing cusps. When decay or fracture is so extensive that a direct restoration (amalgam or composite filling), would not provide sufficient resistance to biting forces an indirect restoration may be indicated.
Inlays and onlays are superior to direct restorations in terms of resistance to occlusal forces, protection against recurrent decay, precision of fabrication, proper contouring for gingival health,ease of cleansing. There is a wide range of advantages of these restorations and the only disadvantage is the higher cost. Indirect restorations are made in a dental laboratory and a temporary is fabricated till the return visit when the inlay or onlay is delivered. Gold inlays have been around for many years and have an excellent track record.
In recent years, newer types of porcelains and indirect resin materials have been developed that can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining and have excellent longevity.
Inlays and onlays are superior to direct restorations in terms of resistance to occlusal forces, protection against recurrent decay, precision of fabrication, proper contouring for gingival health,ease of cleansing. There is a wide range of advantages of these restorations and the only disadvantage is the higher cost. Indirect restorations are made in a dental laboratory and a temporary is fabricated till the return visit when the inlay or onlay is delivered. Gold inlays have been around for many years and have an excellent track record.
In recent years, newer types of porcelains and indirect resin materials have been developed that can be matched to the color of the tooth, resist staining and have excellent longevity.
