Why An Inlay Is Like A Dental Crown

Inlays have many features in common with dental crowns. Restorative dentists use inlays instead of crowns when the tooth sustains decay in the grooves and fissures of the chewing surfaces. They use dental crowns when the tooth needs additional structure to function well.

About Inlays

Inlays are molded tooth fillings that conform to the grooves in your tooth. Restorative dentists typically use them for cases of less severe decay. Inlays protect the chewing surfaces of the tooth and allow normal function.

Dentists make inlays by first taking digital or physical impressions of the damaged tooth. These impressions allow the dentist to design an inlay that fits precisely and matches the contours of the original tooth. 

After taking impressions, the dentist prepares the tooth by removing decayed areas. They send the impression to the lab, where the technicians prepare the inlay from tooth-colored composite resin or porcelain. When the inlay returns from the lab, the dentist checks for a perfect fit and cements the restoration into place.

Benefits of Inlays

• Nearly invisible on the tooth surface
• Better durability than standard fillings
• Less expensive than a dental crown

Similarities and Differences Between Inlays and Crowns

Both inlays and crowns restore and protect teeth that have suffered damage or decay. Inlays and crowns repair teeth and help to prevent future problems.

Inlays and crowns also have some key differences. An inlay does not cover the entire tooth. For this reason, dentists generally do not recommend an inlay to restore a tooth with extensive decay or a tooth that has undergone a root canal.

Understanding Your Options

While you may believe that a crown is your only option if your tooth is too far gone for a filling, ask your dentist about inlays and onlays. This "middle ground" between a filling and crown can be extremely useful in restoring teeth with moderate decay.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inlays

How does a filling differ from an inlay?

A filling typically repairs a tooth with decay in one area. The dentist carefully removes decayed areas and fills them with a durable composite resin. Dentists make inlays in two appointments, custom-molding them to the contours of your tooth.

What is an onlay and how does it differ from an inlay?

Onlays are very much like inlays, but they also cover teeth with decay in the cusps (points). The method for fabricating and placing onlays is the same as making an inlay.

Call Queens Crown Dental

Both inlays and crowns are valuable restorative appliances that can preserve natural teeth. If you have a decayed tooth and need to learn whether an inlay or crown could save it, please call our Honolulu, HI, office at 808-526-2800. We can schedule a consultation to check your tooth and recommend the best solution.