Porcelain Onlays and Inlays on Long Island

Inlays are molded and fitted into the chewing surface of a tooth that has been damaged through decay or injury. They are created using an imprint of the affected areas that are sent to a lab for manufacturing. An inlay will fit perfectly into the hollow of the tooth, but they do not affect the cusps. When the dentist takes the impression, they also attempt to best match the color of the tooth as closely as possible. This way when they are placed in the mouth they are not noticeable. The material used for an inlay can be either porcelain or a composite material that is stronger and more durable than traditional fillings. This makes inlays generally more expensive, but also longer lasting. A dentist chooses this option when a filling will not properly strengthen the surrounding tooth and the cavity requires stronger materials to fortify the tooth. 

Onlays are used for decay and damage to the cusps of a tooth as well as the biting surface. A dentist will choose an onlay when a cavity is too big to fill with standard amalgam fillings, or that the tooth could crack due to weakness. An onlay will shore up the strength of the tooth along with protecting the decaying area. Unlike an inlay, this area can include the cusps as well as the space in between. The dentist prepares the tooth in a similar fashion to a filling, by drilling out the cavity and cleaning up the area after placing a numbing anesthetic in the mouth. A temporary onlay is then placed over cavity, and the impression is sent for a permanent onlay to be manufactured. It is then placed in the mouth when it arrives. With an onlay, the tooth structure is preserved, whereas with a crown some filing and even removal of cusps may be necessary. They are also made of porcelain or a composite material. Onlays are also called “partial crowns” because they serve a similar function but they only cover a portion of the tooth, as opposed to the entire thing. 

How much your onlay costs will depend on certain factors. Onlays are bigger and cover more of your mouth than inlays, and will cost between $650 and $1200 for each one. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $900. Some of the factors include the materials needed, the size of the affected area, and how much work is involved in placing the onlay.

When it comes to materials, porcelain is the most expensive, since it looks the most like natural tooth enamel. Gold is the most noticeable, but it is also the most affordable. If you choose  a composite resin, you will pay less than with porcelain, but it can stain and get discolored as time goes on. It is also the least durable option. 

If it is especially deep or spread around a large area, then the costs can escalate. For the type of damage that an inlay will help with, the area is smaller and costs cannot expand as much as with onlays. 

Most people do not require sedation for inlays and onlays. The dentist will recommend local anesthesia, but some patients may be a bit squeamish and ask for sedation. If you do, there will be an additional cost factored in for this service. 

When you are getting dental work done, you probably want to have someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about the procedure. This includes getting inlays or outlays. You can expect to pay more depending on how experienced your dentist is, and how good their reputation is. You should expect to pay for quality workmanship. 

At their most basic definitions, an inlay fills in cavities and hollows in a tooth in the areas between the cusps. An onlay will not just fill in cavities in those spaces, but they can work for a larger area, including the cusps.  They work similarly to crowns, but they do not cover the entire surface of the tooth. They are both made from the same materials, and they both serve the same function, but they cover different areas of the tooth to properly protect when there is tooth decay. 

Patients choose onlays / inlays for many reasons, all of which make them a perfect choice over fillings, which are not as durable and do not provide the same healthy look. Some of the most common uses for onlays / inlays are: 

Durability: onlays / inlays are often used to address dental issues such as cavities and physical damage. They are installed on the teeth using a cement that is virtually permanent and creates a seal over the affected area. This means that not only are they in place for a long period of time, but your teeth are protected from further infection or damage. They are also scratch-resistant so your smile always looks healthy and bright. 

For a Natural and Whiter Look: Many patients are looking for ways to make their smiles brighter and to reduce yellowing and staining. When it comes to teeth whitening, at-home dental strips and special rinses may not be the powerful answer that some people need. onlays / inlays might be just what you are looking for to regain a white, healthy, and naturally-looking smile. When they are used to replace damaged or decaying teeth, they are also manufactured to fit exactly in place to look as natural as possible. Porcelain also has a natural color and look, so your smile will look just how it’s supposed to. 

Eliminate the Need For Fillings: Fillings and crowns are appropriate for certain patients, but they also come with drawbacks. For instance, fillings will contract and expand as time goes on, depending on where they are placed and certain conditions. This can cause pain, but it can also cause the fillings to move out of place or fall out, which means having them replaced. onlays / inlays are made from gold, porcelain, or resin. None of these materials will expand or contract, so your teeth will remain protected without you having to worry about another visit to the dentist. 

Help Keep Your Teeth Longer: It’s only natural to want to keep your original teeth for as long as possible. With inlays / onlays, you can’t restore the tissue that has been lost, but they do provide protection to the affected area. This means that damage and decay will not spread to other areas of your mouth from that spot. Just make sure to practice good oral hygiene. They also help to preserve your natural smile for as long as possible. They are very durable and will not degrade over time. 

Stronger Teeth: It might surprise you to learn that fillings can weaken your teeth. They are not as strong as the original tissue they replace. However, inlays / onlays made of porcelain are stronger than the original tissue, leaving your teeth not just looking better, but also being able to withstand future damage much better. 

Prevent Future Dental Costs: You can think of inlays / onlays as an investment. They do cost more than fillings, but they are much more durable and long-lasting. On top of that, they are making the affected area stronger and your mouth healthier. This means that you can count on having fewer dental costs in the future by choosing inlays / onlays over fillings. 

You can usually count on onlays / inlays to last 20 years or more. However, there are several factors that will play a role in exactly how long they last. The affected area of your mouth can make a difference, as can the condition of the surrounding tissue and nerves of the tooth. How well a patient takes care of their mouth and overall oral hygiene is important as well. After getting inlays or onlays, it’s important to take measures to prolong the life of your reconstructed smile. 

Follow proper brushing recommendations. In most cases cleaning at least two times a day will be sufficient. It is better to brush after every meal, however. This will keep bacteria from building up on your gums and teeth, which can weaken them and loosen the inlay or onlay. Use a fluoride toothpaste, which helps to strengthen enamel and protect your teeth. Flossing and visiting your dentist regularly for a dental check-up is also important as plaque and tartar can build up between the gums. 

Be careful of what you eat. Sticky and hard foods can wreak havoc on your restoration. For example, taffy and caramel and other similar foods will stick to and pull on your onlays / inlays, which can cause them to dislodge. Hard foods, such as popcorn or candy can crack them if you chew too hard. You should also work on breaking any other bad habits you might have involving chewing, such as with pencils or your nails. They are bad for your teeth in general, but can also damage your onlays / inlays. 

On top of all of that, make sure to visit a dentist every 6 months. They will provide you with a professional cleaning and make sure that your restorations are still in good shape. If there is a problem, they can catch it early and make any necessary adjustments or treatments. 

At Dr. Kate Brayman’s dental office, we believe that your comfort and relaxation are very important. However, there can be some slight pain and discomfort when having an inlay put in place. You will receive anesthetic, but it requires an injection into your gums. There will be a slight pinching sensation that will quickly subside. However, you can also request for your gums to be numbed using a topical treatment. It is also common to feel pressure as the dentist works on your tooth, but this should be painless and be finished quickly.

Yes, onlays can fall off if any of the recommended behaviors aren’t followed. They can also be jarred loose by impact of some kind. If that ever happens, while it isn’t a medical emergency, you should take quick action. You will be in pain since the underlying tissue will not be used to being exposed. 

When it falls out, you can use some topical clove oil to lessen the pain and discomfort you might be feeling. It then might even be possible to place the onlay back in your mouth if you were able to retrieve it. Just make sure to clean it first. You can then apply denture glue or tooth cement on the inside of the onlay to help it stay in place. Then make sure to call Dr. Kate Brayman DDS to get in to visit as soon as possible. We will help to make sure that it is securely and safely back in place permanently.

While you can experience some discomfort and pain during the installation of the onlay, you may feel pain afterwards in the weeks to come. This is normal, and should not be cause for alarm. In most cases it’s either soreness from having your mouth open for so long during the procedure, or soreness from the injection. You may also have some pain if your onlay is placed in a position that is higher than where your natural tooth was. If this happens, call our dental office to come in for a quick adjustment.

The main difference between an onlay and an inlay is that an onlay will cover a larger area that an inlay cannot cover. An onlay can cover the cusps of the tooth, but an inlay fills in the spaces in between. This might sound a lot like a crown, and there are some similarities, but they serve different purposes. 

An onlay is used when the dentist determines that the restoration does not have to be as aggressive as it would with a crown. That means that more of the structure of the tooth can be preserved. A crown covers the entire tooth, and significant reshaping of the tooth is necessary to have one installed. An onlay can be more difficult to get right, which is why the skill and experience of the dentist are so important. So neither is necessarily better than the other, and a dentist will recommend what suits the situation the best. 

Just as with the onlay versus crown debate, there are several facets to determining if inlays are better than fillings. In general, inlays are better in that they can fill a larger cavity, and they are more durable. The amalgam in fillings can expand and contract depending on the temperature, for example. This can lead to cracking of the filling, or even the tooth itself. They are as durable as inlays, which can last for decades at a time. Inlays do not have this problem, and in fact will strengthen the tooth. This is because they are custom made by using an impression, so they fit perfectly into the cavity. They strengthen the tooth so much that in some cases it can handle up to 75% more chewing force than it could before the decay.

That said, one of the benefits of fillings for many patients is how quickly they can be put in place. With an inlay it will take at least two visits: one for the impression, and one for the placement after the inlay is built. The materials for fillings are in the office and can be finished in just one visit. They are less expensive, and more widely covered by insurance. The bottom line is that inlays will perform better than fillings, but that is also reflected in how much they cost. 

No, a veneer is not the same as an onlay. Onlays are used to fill and protect extensive damage to the teeth, including the cusps. A veneer is usually used to cover the front of the teeth in the areas where people can see when someone smiles. They are not usually used to fight against tooth decay, but for cosmetic issues like discoloration and shading. They do share some similarities, including how durable they are, but they serve different purposes and are not the same thing. 

Inlays and onlays are covered by many insurance providers. The reason is because they are not strictly cosmetic. They are used to keep the tooth strong while conserving tooth structure as much as possible. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered. 

Inlays and onlays have some similarities, but serve specific, unique purposes. Many dentists consider them to be great alternatives to fillings, crowns, and other dental restoration options.