Onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma. These restorations are custom-made from materials such as porcelain, composite resin or gold, and are designed to fit precisely within and onto the affected tooth structure. These restorations, also known as partial crowns, are larger restorations that cover one or more cusps of the tooth’s chewing surface.
Onlays are used when the damage extends beyond the cusps or involves the biting surface of the tooth and provide more extensive coverage and are suitable for larger areas of damage.
Benefits of Onlays
Conserve Tooth Structure
Onlays require the removal of less tooth structure compared to traditional dental crowns, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Strength and Durability
Onlays are made from durable materials that can withstand the forces of chewing and biting, providing long-lasting restoration of your tooth.
Natural Looking
These restorations are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and contour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result.
Protection
Onlays provide additional strength and support to weakened or damaged teeth, reducing the risk of further decay or fracture.
ONLAYS FAQS
With proper care and maintenance, onlays can last for many years.
The process of receiving onlays is typically performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring our patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular dental check-ups, can help prolong the lifespan of onlays.
In most cases, onlays require two appointments: one for preparation and impression-taking and another for placement of the final restoration.
Onlays and fillings are all designed to treat tooth decay and ensure that your tooth is restored to its former strength. Fillings are used for smaller cavities, whereas onlays could be a better choice for larger cases of decay that are too big for a filling but are not severe enough to need a dental crown. They are tailor-made to fit comfortably on your natural tooth.
