Inlays Onlays Vaughan - Indirect Dental Fillings

Inlays and onlays, also referred to as indirect fillings, are in many ways a more conservative option to a dental crown procedure. Inlay/Onlay treatment provides long lasting dental restoration in treating teeth damaged by mild to moderate tooth decay. The inlays/onlays are created most often from tooth colored material to produce a natural looking smile. However, they can also be created from gold, providing both functionality and an esthetically restored smile.

The difference between inlays/onlays and traditional dental fillings is that inlays/onlays are fabricated indirectly (hence the name indirect fillings) within a dental laboratory and then fitted and bonded into place by your dentist. Traditional fillings are created within the mouth during your dental appointment and directly molded into place. So what exactly is the difference between an inlay and an onlay? Well, an inlay is a restoration in which the filling material is bonded in the center of a tooth, while an onlay is a restoration to one or more of the points (cusps) of the tooth along the biting surface.

Vaughan Inlays Onlays Benefits Include:

• Color: With regards to the color of the tooth, patients need not worry about discoloration with inlay/onlays as is sometimes seen in other resin fillings.
• Stability: Inlays/onlays are a great alternative to dental crowns for patients with mild to moderate tooth decay as the conservative method preserves as much of the natural tooth as possible.
• Hygiene: The fit of the inlay/onlays is designed to perfectly fit your tooth. It can actually be easier to clean than if you were to have a dental crown. Also, some dental composite fillings can shrink while being cured with the high intensity light. With pre-constructed inlays/onlays, that is not the case.
• Structure: Because of its ability to preserve much of the natural tooth, only restoring the areas affected by the decay ensures proper functionality and long lasting effects.
• Flossing: For patients with cavities between their teeth, inlays are often preferred as they offer better sealing against bacteria and are easy to clean.
• Strength: Inlays/onlays offer a stable solution for strengthening decayed teeth. The inlays/onlays protect the weakened and damaged areas of the tooth without having to contour the entire tooth structure.

Vaughan Inlays Onlays Procedure

Generally it takes two dental visits to complete the inlay/onlay procedure. In your first appointment, your dentist will begin preparing the tooth by taking an impression to send to the laboratory so that the inlay/onlay can be customarily constructed. The materials used to make the inlays/onlays include porcelain, gold, or tooth colored resin materials. The difference between these options is the appearance upon completion, your dentist will discuss and advise you on the option which is best suited for you. In the event that esthetic is not a concern, for example in the back molars, gold is the best choice. Porcelain inlays/onlays are often used in the teeth which are most prominent in the smile as they offer the best esthetic results. Resin materials are a good choice for patients who have malocclusion or grind their teeth. Your dentist may choose to create a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while the inlay/onlay is being constructed.

In the second and usually last appointment, the temporary restoration is replaced with permanent inlay/onlay. Your dentist will check to ensure a correct fit that is tight and secure. Your bite will also be checked to ensure that any occlusion problems relating to the restoration are addressed and rectified. Once these issues are addressed, the inlay/onlay will be secured into place with dental bond and the margins of which will be polished for an esthetically pleasing natural look.

Vaughan Inlays Onlays Cost

The cost of dental inlays/onlays can be determined by the following:

• The dentist’s experience and training.
• The dentist’s location.
• The tooth requiring treatment- molars require most preparation and work than front teeth.
• Your choice of materials used to construct the inlay/onlay.
• The size of the inlay/onlay – larger onlays will typically cost more.

The general cost for inlays ranges from $700-$800, while the cost for onlays generally ranges from $800-$920.

Insurance Coverage for Inlays Onlays

Your dental insurance company will place inlays/onlays in either the ‘basic’ or ‘major’ service category. If the inlay/onlay are considered basic work, there may be a pre-existing limit for coverage within the service, or you will be covered percentage wise up to 80% of the entire cost your dental provider will charge for the procedure. In the event that the treatment is categorized as major work, you will likely be reimbursed at a rate of 50% of your dental provider’s procedure cost. You can ask your dental office for information on the matter as they will likely have dealt with enough insurance companies to be able to give you a good idea of what type of coverage you can expect. You can also ask that a pre-estimate be sent in to your insurance company for the desired treatment to find out what your insurance company will cover.