Tooth decay is a problem many of us grapple with, yet deciding on the appropriate solution can be challenging without the right knowledge. At OptiSmile, we’re dedicated to restoring not just your smile but your confidence too. While the world has long relied on traditional fillings or crowns to mend decayed teeth, dental inlays are a lesser-known hero in the dental world. Precisely tailored to the unique shape of your tooth, inlays provide a fusion of strength, beauty, and longevity while removing less of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns. Which option is better when faced with the choice between inlays and crowns? Learn about dental inlays vs. crowns as we unpack the advantages and distinctions between these dental solutions.
What Are the Differences Between Dental Inlays and Crowns?
Dental restorations have seen significant advancements, offering patients various options tailored to their needs. Amongst these, dental inlays and crowns are two of the most trusted procedures for addressing cavities.
A dental inlay is a specialised form of restoration, typically chosen to address decay or damage located within the cusps or the biting surface of a tooth. Think of it as a middle ground between a conventional filling and a crown.
Dental inlays are crafted with meticulous precision and designed to fit snugly within the damaged area of the tooth. At OptiSmile, we use high-quality lithium disilicate materials for superior durability and a natural appearance. As such, these inlays restore the tooth’s function and blend seamlessly with its natural appearance, ensuring an aesthetic finish.
On the flip side, a dental crown encapsulates the entirety of a damaged tooth, acting like a protective cap. It’s not limited to treating decay within a tooth’s biting surface but is used when a tooth is substantially damaged, weakened, or has undergone root canal treatment.
Crowns are custom-fabricated to fit over the original tooth, offering both reinforcement and aesthetic refurbishment. Made typically from porcelain, ceramic, or even gold, they provide a durable solution ensuring longevity and stability.
While dental inlays target specific areas of decay on a tooth’s surface, crowns envelop the whole tooth, providing a comprehensive shield against further damage. Both serve unique purposes in dentistry, and their application depends on the extent and location of the dental issue.
Dental inlays address decay within a tooth’s biting surface, offering a precise fit and aesthetic finish using high-quality lithium disilicate materials. In contrast, dental crowns envelop an extensively damaged or weakened tooth, acting as a protective cap made from durable materials like porcelain.
Read more: Understanding Dental Inlays vs Fillings
Dental Inlay Vs Crown Uses
When it comes to restoring teeth that have been affected by decay or damage, dental inlays and crowns each have unique applications. Dental inlays come into play when the decay or damage is localised to the inner contours of a tooth, especially within the cusps or the biting surface.
Dental inlays are specifically designed for situations where the damage is not extensive enough to warrant a crown but too substantial for a regular filling to suffice. For example, if a tooth has a large cavity or a sizeable portion is decayed, yet the surrounding structure is largely intact, an inlay would be the treatment of choice. It effectively fills the space, restoring functionality while maintaining the tooth’s natural structure.
Conversely, dental crowns are utilised in cases where the damage is more severe, or the tooth is significantly weakened. This could be due to a large cavity that has compromised a substantial part of the tooth, extensive wear from grinding, or following a root canal procedure where the tooth needs to be protected and strengthened. In these instances, the crown acts as a protective cap, covering the entire tooth to the gum line, providing stability and preventing further damage. It is worthwhile to mention that often most dentists will go straight from a filling to a crown, which removes much of the required natural tooth structure, and is oftentimes unnecessary compared to the level of tooth decay.
The choice between a dental inlay and a crown depends on the extent of the tooth’s damage and the patient’s specific needs, at OptiSmile we always opt for the least invasive treatment, retaining as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Read more: The benefits of cosmetic dentistry
Dental inlays repair moderate decay within a tooth’s biting surface, while crowns cover severely damaged or weakened teeth entirely, often following extensive cavities or root canal procedures.
Dental Inlay Procedure
The procedure for dental inlays begins with a comprehensive examination of the affected tooth to determine the extent of treatment needed. Advancements in dental technology have enabled the use of an iTero scanner, which provides a precise digital impression of the tooth. This modern approach replaces traditional impression methods, offering a more accurate and comfortable experience for the patient.
Once the digital impression is taken, the inlay is created using an in-house CEREC CAD-CAM milling unit. This innovative equipment allows for the fabrication of the inlay, typically within 15 minutes or less, significantly reducing waiting time. After the inlay is meticulously crafted, it is accurately positioned within the tooth cavity, effectively reinforcing and restoring the tooth to its original shape. The final step involves bonding the inlay to the tooth, ensuring a durable, comfortable fit that seamlessly integrates with the natural tooth structure.
Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure at OptiSmile usually takes two appointments, but it can be streamlined to one visit with their advanced technology. During the initial appointment, the dentist prepares the tooth for the crown. This involves removing a portion of the natural enamel to create space for the crown, ensuring a snug and secure fit. OptiSmile enhances this process by using an iTero scanner, which digitally captures the tooth’s structure and directly uploads the scan to their laboratory. Unlike traditional methods, OptiSmile avoids using putty-like materials for impressions.
OptiSmile utilises special silicon moulds for temporary crowns, ensuring a comfortable and precise fit. These temporary crowns protect the tooth while the permanent one is being fabricated. The digital process significantly reduces the waiting time for the permanent crown, often receiving it back from the lab within a week after preparation.
In some cases, there’s no need for a second visit. Using CEREC technology, OptiSmile can mill a crown or an inlay on the spot during the first appointment. This means patients can leave with their new crown immediately, without the need for a temporary one.
For a single inlay or crown, the entire process at OptiSmile takes about two hours. The total appointment time is typically around three hours if a patient requires two or three inlays or crowns. This efficient, technologically advanced approach underscores OptiSmile’s commitment to providing high-quality, convenient dental care.
Benefits and Potential Limitations
Dental inlays and crowns have unique benefits for your oral health. Here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Dental Inlays
- Aesthetic appeal: Inlays blend effortlessly with natural teeth, maintaining a uniform look.
- Preservation of tooth structure: Minimal removal of healthy tooth material is required.
- Enhanced durability: Crafted from high-quality materials, they promise long-term resilience.
- Decay resistance: The tight fit reduces the chances of future tooth decay.
Easy maintenance: Simple cleaning routines suffice, supporting ongoing oral hygiene.
Cons of Dental Inlays
- Cost: Dental inlays are often more expensive than regular fillings.
- Not suitable for extensive damage: Limited to damage within the tooth’s biting surface.
Pros of Crowns
- Comprehensive coverage: Encapsulates the entire tooth, offering protection from further decay or damage.
- Versatility: Useful for restoring significantly damaged teeth.
- Strengthening: Provides added strength to weakened teeth.
Cons of Crowns
- Invasive procedure: Requires more removal of the natural tooth structure.
- Costlier: Generally more expensive than inlays or regular fillings.
- Potential sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity post-procedure, especially to hot or cold stimuli.
- Longer process: Typically requires at least two dental visits.
Final Thoughts On Inlays vs. Crowns
Choosing the best dental treatment depends on your unique requirements and the extent of tooth damage. Whether you lean towards the precision of dental inlays or the encompassing protection of crowns, making informed decisions prioritising oral health is paramount. Fortunately, the dedicated team at OptiSmile stands ready to guide and support you in this journey, ensuring a radiant smile that reflects optimal dental care. Why wait? Embrace a healthier, brighter smile and book your appointment with us today!
Disclaimer: The information and advice in this blog post are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not responsible for any outcomes or decisions based on the information provided here.
