Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and Onlays
Winston-Salem, NC
 If you have a decayed or damaged tooth that cannot be treated with dental fillings, you may be a candidate for dental crowns, inlays, or onlays.
Crowns can cover the biting portion of the tooth, including the part above the gum line. On the other hand, an inlay is a one-piece solid that serves as a filling. An onlay is similar to an inlay, but includes covering the cusp of the tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are coverings for decayed or damaged teeth. They are placed on top of tooth roots and restore the shape of your tooth when fillings prove to be inadequate. Crowns are generally created from porcelain, metals, ceramics or resin. They typically do not need special care and can be easily maintained through good oral habits.
Pros of Dental Crowns
Here are the major advantages of dental crowns:
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Crowns can be customized to resemble the natural shape and color of your tooth.
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They can stabilize a severely cracked tooth
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Crowns can protect a tooth after root canal surgery.
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They can enhance your smile without being apparent. |
Cons of Dental Crowns
While crowns are long-lasting and durable, there are some disadvantages to keep in mind:
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The original tooth has to be substanitally shaved to fix a crown.
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Crowns are expensive.
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They may heighten sensitivity to hot and cold items. |
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay is chosen when a cavity is too large to be covered by a filling. The inlay comprises a single, solid portion that is made according to the shape and size of the cavity.
On the other hand, an onlay is more inclusive than an inlay, but less than a crown. It not only seals the cavities, but the tooth cusp as well.
Pros of Inlays and Onlays
Here are some of the benefits or inlays and onlays:
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They offer more coverage than fillings.
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Inlays and onlays protect the natural construction of the tooth.
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They can be created to match the color of your original teeth. |
Cons of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are easy procedures, but there are some disadvantages:
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Inlays and onlays need to be placed in at least two visits to the dentist.
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They can last 5-10 years, which is less than the life of dental implants.
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They can become loose at times, but can be rebonded. |
Dental Crowns vs Inlays and Onlays: Which is Better?
Inlays and onlays are less invasive dental procedures as compared to dental crowns. Only a small amount of tooth needs to be trimmed down to fix an onlay, while a tooth has to be substantially shaved off to place a crown. Inlays and onlays are also more financially reasonable than crowns.
However, dental implants can facilitate the restoration of a badly damaged tooth. It can serve as a replacement tooth after root canal treatment and toughens the nerves and soft tissues underneath the tooth. Check out our Dental Implant FAQs to see which questions patients are most curious about.
Dental crowns are normally more long-lasting than inlays and onlays, and can retain their position up to 10-15 years. If you are suffering from a missing tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry by calling us at (336) 283-2593 today.
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