Inlays Onlays in Melbourne

When cavities become too large, an ordinary filling is not strong enough to cope with the normal biting forces. The dentist will need to have stronger fillings made in a laboratory.

An inlay is used for this purpose and as the name suggests it fits inside the tooth. An onlay covers the top of the tooth and is used for worn teeth, or where the remaining tooth needs strengthening to prevent it breaking away. Sometimes a combination of both is used. They are either cemented or bonded to the natural tooth.

Inlays and onlays are high strength partial coverage ceramic or metal restorations. The choice depends on the position in the mouth in which they are to be placed, the strength of the bite, whether the patient grinds their teeth, and to some extent the wish to have a tooth-coloured filling.

It is a technique sensitive procedure with the need for comprehensive understanding of material science, adhesive bonding techniques and advanced tooth preparation designs.

There are two stages in fitting these restorations. The first is the preparation of the cavity and the taking of an impression (mould) of the tooth preparation and of the opposing teeth so the bite can be made correctly. A temporary inlay/onlay is then cemented during the interim period. The impression is sent to a laboratory and the final restoration is constructed. The final restoration is tried in for shape and fit prior to its adhesive bonding. There could also be a need for some minor adjustments to the bite for comfort and longevity.

Unfortunately, with the use of weaker materials, such as composite fillings or glass ionomer (GIC) in heavily broken down, root canal treated and cracked teeth may cause its gradual degradation leading to more frequent breakage of the filling or tooth and may result in the eventual extraction of the tooth.

In some of these teeth, a full coverage dental crown is not appropriate as it may further weaken the tooth with further removal of tooth structure.

Our clinicians at White Light Prosthodontics may offer the treatment option of inlay and onlay as a suitable conservative alternative with the aim of preserving the structural integrity of a weakened tooth and providing a reasonably lasting outcome.