INLAY, ONLAY, AND OVERLAY RESTORATIONS
Currently, in the world of dentistry, there is much talk about minimally invasive technology. This type of technology allows for treatments that, as the name implies, are practically non-invasive compared to traditional treatments. The goal is to avoid more aggressive procedures, which lead to a slower and more painful recovery, while also improving patient outcomes in a safer and more effective manner.
There are multiple types of dental procedures, whether aesthetic or functional, that are performed today in a minimally invasive way. One of the most commonly used procedures under this technique is dental inlays/onlays, which are a type of restoration carried out in the posterior part of the oral cavity. In this way, the structure of the lost tooth is replaced only in its injured or affected part.
Traditionally, the treatment consists of performing dental crowns . However, crowns, used as caps that cover the entire structure of the tooth—that is, both the affected area and the healthy area—often do not achieve the ideal aesthetic result for the patient. Another significant difference compared to non-invasive treatments lies in the manufacturing material, as inlays and onlays are usually made of resin or ceramic, while dental crowns are made with metal, porcelain, zirconia, or gold alloys.
WHAT IS A DENTAL INLAY/ONLAY?
Dental inlays and onlays are a type of restoration performed in the posterior area of the mouth. They are cemented to the tooth, replacing the part of the tooth that has been lost due to cavities, fractures, trauma, or severe infections. These restorations must be made in a laboratory, where work is based on an impression of the patient's mouth taken previously in the office, so that they can later be cemented onto the patient's tooth during a dental visit.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INLAYS/ONLAYS AND DENTAL CROWNS
The main difference between inlays/onlays and dental crowns is that with the former, it is not necessary to grind down the entire tooth, which allows for the preservation of a greater amount of healthy tooth structure and the tooth as a whole, as explained above.
Because of this, there are essentially three types of dental restorations that are characterized by being made outside the mouth, which we show and explain in greater detail here:
- Inlay Restorations: This is a type of restoration that does not cover any dental cusps. It focuses on repairing cavities that affect the upper and emerging surface of the tooth; they can also be used to replace amalgams for aesthetic or functional reasons.
- Onlay Restorations: This is a restoration that covers at least one cusp, without covering all of them. They are performed on more extensive cavities that cannot be covered with Inlay restorations.
- Overlay Restoration: In this type of restoration, the goal is to perform a complete cusp coverage. In general, they allow for the rehabilitation of a severely damaged tooth.
There are different techniques for creating them, including:
Direct technique: This is performed intraorally, that is, inside the patient's mouth, and generally in a single dental visit. This technique is indicated for preventive or small to medium-sized restorations.
Semi-direct technique: This is a technique that can be performed intraorally or extraorally for the fabrication of cemented restorations in the dental clinic, and it can be done in one or two short dental visits. It is usually especially indicated for medium or large-sized restorations in patients with a limited budget.
Indirect technique: This is a technique in which the clinical laboratory intervenes in the manufacturing process, which is why more than one clinical visit is required for its creation. It is indicated for large dental restorations.
INDICATIONS FOR DENTAL INLAYS/ONLAYS
Inlays and onlays in the dental field are usually performed in the following cases:
- When it is necessary to improve dental aesthetics.
- In patients with a low rate of dental caries.
- In patients with good dental hygiene.
- Patients who have large cavities.
- Patients who have endodontically treated teeth.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR DENTAL INLAYS/ONLAYS
- Patients with a high rate of caries.
- Patients with teeth that have extensive restorations.
- Patients with teeth with deep cervical abrasions.
- Patients with short or very thin crowns.
Because dental inlays and onlays are made with resin or ceramic, they have a quite natural color similar to natural teeth, which will provide the patient with better aesthetics.
It is a fairly simple, low-pain procedure, making it quite effective for the patient at the time of the procedure.
ADVANTAGES OF DENTAL INLAYS/ONLAYS
- It is a simple and fast treatment.
- They are more resistant than dental fillings, thus preventing dental fractures with a higher degree of safety.
- They allow for better anatomy of the treated tooth.
- Due to the material they are made of, inlays and onlays do not suffer from expansion or contraction when consuming very cold or very hot food or drinks.
- They have a color similar to natural teeth, which will help achieve a harmonious and aesthetically acceptable smile.
- This treatment maintains the healthy structure of the tooth, unlike dental crowns.
- The lifespan of dental inlays and onlays can be up to 30 years after their placement.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to everything reviewed in this article and remembering everything regarding inlays and onlays performed in the dental clinic, you will be able to offer the best treatment option to your patients.
Minimally invasive technology is at the forefront of the best dental treatments, and at Prodentalia we have the most current products and equipment so that you can perform your treatments in a safe and effective manner.
