Oral hygiene is essential, and sometimes, despite our best efforts to brush twice a day and floss, we end up with a buildup of plaque, cavities, stained teeth, and other infections. 

Visiting the dentist for such problems can be stressful or difficult, but it is completely necessary. Have you recently found yourself in a situation where you require getting dental onlays?

Read ahead to learn what dental onlays are and why you might need to get them. 

What are Dental Onlays? 

A dental onlay is a restorative tool used to repair any damage or decay of the teeth. It is a pre-formed covering made from a mold of your tooth and then bonded to the damaged or decayed tooth. It fits into the grooves of the tooth and wraps up over the cusps and the top surface of the tooth. Dental onlays are usually used to treat cavities deep into the tooth or affect the cusp or biting surface. They can also treat decay, cracks, gaps, and chips in the teeth that cannot be fixed with superficial fillings.

Your dentist may recommend that you get a dental onlay if the structure of your tooth is weak, and a regular filling might crack the tooth further. They can be used to hold the tooth together while restoring the damaged or decayed parts of it.   

Different Types of Onlays

Dental onlays can be made with different materials such as resin, ceramic, porcelain, or even gold. The major difference between the different types is the appearance of the onlay. The quality does not change much depending on the materials. 

Porcelain and ceramic onlays are easier to match to the natural shade of your teeth and can look much more natural. They are good for use on the front teeth as they do not stand out or look artificial. Porcelain and ceramic onlays are also easier to bond to the tooth and ensure that they do not come loose or free from the tooth. 

Resin and gold onlays are better suited for the molars and pre-molars. This is because of the durability and strength of the materials. 

Is A Dental Onlay Better Than a Crown? 

There is often confusion between dental onlays and crowns. Although similar, they are not the same thing and serve separate purposes.  The main difference between the two is that a crown requires the removal of some of the healthy structures of the tooth in order to restore it and have the crown fit comfortably, whereas a dental onlay can be fitted onto the tooth without removing any of the healthy teeth. Onlays preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible. 

Onlays are actually sometimes called “partial crowns.” They are generally less invasive than crowns and do not cover the entire tooth-like crowns. While an onlay may cover the biting surface and the cusps of the tooth, the rest of it is left uncovered. 

Whether one is better than the other depends on the extent of decay or damage in your teeth. For more severe cases, a crown is a better option. In the case where a less invasive restorative method would be sufficient, dentists prefer to use dental onlays. 

The Benefits of Dental Onlays

Many dentists and patients alike prefer onlays to fillings or crowns. This is because of the various benefits that onlays offer. Firstly, onlays are durable and made with strong, long-lasting materials. They look completely natural, can last for up to 30 years, and are very easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, onlays do not negatively affect your bite because they are made from precise molds of your teeth, and your dentist checks your bite once they have been bonded onto your teeth. Lastly, onlays can strengthen the structure of your teeth and do not require the removal of any healthy parts of the teeth. 

CR Dental Group – Dental Services

If you are in search of restorative dental treatment like dental onlays in the Dallas, Texas, area, be sure to check out the CR Dental Group. CR Dental Services offer professional dental services for many years and strives to provide their patients with the best treatment and care.  

You can get in touch with the clinic on their website https://crdentalgroup.com/contact/ where you can fill out a form for any questions or comments you may have, or call 972-566-4990 to book an appointment.

Good luck with finding the right restorative dental treatment for you!