When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, dental onlay is an excellent solution. If you’ve been wondering, “What is an onlay in dentistry?” or “What is a dental onlay?” you’ve come to the right place! This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about onlays and their role in modern dentistry. Whether you’re considering this procedure or simply curious, read on to discover more.
What Is an Onlay?
The onlay is a type of dental restoration for the decayed or damaged tooth. With an onlay, instead of fixing small cavities as a filling or covering the entire tooth like a crown, the onlay covers a portion of the tooth including one or more cusps. An onlay tooth restoration is sometimes called a ‘partial crown.’ It gives patients who need more than a filling but not enough for a crown a middle-ground option. Besides, onlay in dentistry is used to restore the functionality and appearance of the tooth.
The Difference Between Onlays, Inlays, and Crowns
Many people get confused about the differences between inlays, onlays, and crowns. Here’s a simple explanation:
- Inlay vs Onlay: An inlay fits in the grooves of the tooth and does not cover the cusp. In contrast, an onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth.
- Onlay vs Crown: An Onlay is a restoration used to cover part of the tooth; while a Crown is used to completely encase the entire tooth structure.
- Inlay vs Filling: An inlay, however, is customized to fit perfectly within the tooth; a filling is placed directly into the cavity.
Benefits of Dental Onlay
Choosing dental onlays comes with several advantages:
- Conservative Treatment: Onlays save more of your natural tooth structure than crowns.
- Durability: Porcelain onlays and ceramic materials are very long-lasting and durable.
- Natural Appearance: They are as good as your natural teeth in blending.
- Custom Fit: We provide each onlay dental restoration to fit exactly to your tooth.
- Cost-Effective: Dental onlay costs may seem high initially but their durability makes them a cheaper option in the long run.
The Dental Onlay Procedure
If you’re considering an onlay, here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- Initial Consultation: Your dentist will look at your tooth and discuss if an onlay is best for you.
- Preparation: Once the dentist removes the decayed or damaged part of the tooth, she prepares the tooth for the onlay prep design.
- Impressions: This causes an impression of your tooth to be taken so that a custom porcelain onlay or ceramic restoration can be made.
- Temporary Onlay: During the time your permanent onlay is being made, a temporary one may be placed on your tooth.
- Final Placement: Once ready, the dentist will bond the onlay to your tooth, ensuring a secure and precise fit.
Cost of Dental Onlay
Dental onlay cost depends upon the material, its location, and the type of insurance coverage. For their part, the cost averages $650 to $1,200 per tooth. With insurance, however, the cost of the onlay, both with and without insurance, is drastically lowered. Both dental inlay vs onlay costs go hand in hand. Ask your dentist for the most accurate estimate.
Dental Onlay vs Crowns: Which One Is Right for You?
The decision between an onlay and a crown depends on the extent of tooth damage:
- If you can keep most of your natural tooth, then an onlay is the better option, because it will preserve more of the natural tooth.
- A crown may be indicated for extensive damage.
Discuss with your onlay dentist to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Why Choose Dental Onlay?
Dental onlay is a durable, natural-looking solution to help restore your smile. In dentistry, an onlay is a good strengthening option for all treatment decisions related to decay, damage, or wear. If you have inlay vs filling or onlay vs crown on your agenda, consulting a professional would be conducive.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact a trusted onlay dentist near you today. Visit La Mirada Dentists to book your appointment or learn more about our services. Restoring your smile has never been easier!
Final Thoughts
Understanding what is an onlay and how it works can help you make an informed decision about your dental care. From porcelain onlays to CEREC onlays, these restorations offer a versatile and effective way to protect and restore your teeth. If you’re searching for “dental onlay near me,” consult with your dentist to learn more about this innovative treatment option.
Request an appointment here: https://lamiradadentists.com/ or call Lamiada Dentist at (562)-573-8555 for an appointment in our La Mirada, CA Office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Onlay in La Mirada, CA.
Faq
This is where a dental onlay comes in — a custom-made restoration that repairs decayed or damaged teeth by covering part of the tooth structure (the cusp).
An onlay is often a better choice if your teeth have moderate damage because it does a better job of conserving a tooth. More extensive damage is treated with crowns.
With proper care, a dental onlay can last 10 to 20 years.
Rarely, an onlay can come loose if it was not bonded properly or was exposed to too much force. Such problems can be prevented by regular dental checkups.
Both dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations. Inlays fill in the cavities of the tooth, while onlays are in direct contact with one or more cusps. As far as repairing damaged teeth, they are both ideal.
The price of an onlay varies depending on materials as well as insurance.