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This is a question our team are asked frequently. So, let’s talk about the various types.
Dental fillings are used to plug smaller tooth cavities to protect teeth from further decay. Once the resin-like material hardens, it becomes part of the tooth, forming an impenetrable barrier. The filling can either be constructed from amalgam or a tooth-coloured composite.
Alternatively, when tooth decay goes untreated, the cavity it forms can expand. Eventually, the damage is extensive enough that conventional fillings are no longer a valid option. This is where Inlays and onlays can help.
Inlays and onlays are milled from a robust material like dental porcelain and are designed to cover a larger portion of the tooth. As the names suggest, inlays sit within the cusp of the tooth, while onlays are designed to fit ‘over’ the tooth. So much so that they’re often referred to as ‘partial crowns.’
Because inlays and onlays need to be fabricated, costs are typically higher than dental fillings, which are mixed and applied chairside. So, while fillings, inlays and onlays do a great job of preserving teeth, they each have very specific roles. Either way, the Smile Success team will take the time to talk you through the options so you can make an informed decision.
