Inlays Vs. Onlays: What’s The Difference?
When your dentist tells you that you have one or more cavities, fillings may immediately come to mind. However, there is more than one way to treat a filling – inlays and onlays provide the same type of treatment, but for different sets of circumstances. Today, we’re going to take a look at how each of these treatments come into play, and how to know which is right for you when finding dentistry in Brooklyn!
Dental Fillings Vs Inlays
Really, these two can be used interchangeably. Inlays are typically used for larger cavities, while both still involve removing the existing cavity and filling that empty space. With a filling, a composite material is used to fill the space, and is a much faster process which only takes a single visit.
An inlay consists of a single piece of composite material, typically gold or ceramic. The benefit here is that there is less of a chance of the restoration failing due to a gap between the inlay and the surrounding tooth structure. In addition to inlays being more expensive than fillings, inlays are also rarely covered by insurance. Because of this, inlays are reserved only for patients that truly need them, and who have cavities that normal fillings can’t treat. Your dentist should always lay out all of your treatment options before deciding which is best for you.
Onlays Vs Dental Crowns
These options are typically reserved for larger areas of decay where large amounts of the tooth’s structure must be removed. The central difference between an onlay and a crown is that an onlay covers just the cusp of the tooth, where an inlay fills the ares between the cusp. An onlay is made to fit the exact shape and size of the missing space. A crown, however, covers the entire biting surface of the tooth.
An onlay is less invasive, as less tooth structure needs to be removed. However, they rely ore upon the skill of the dentist.
Have Your Cavities Treated Properly
If you believe you might have cavities, or know of cavities that require treatment, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Advanced Dental Care of NYC today at (347) 535-3269, or by clicking here to get in touch with our team of experts!