What Are the Differences Between Onlays and Inlays for Restoring Teeth?

When you have a decayed tooth, fillings and crowns tend to be common restoration options. In some cases, though, teeth have too much damage for fillings, but not enough damage to warrant a whole crown. That’s where inlays and onlays come in. Our dentists in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS, at NKC Dental offer these options as a sort of middle ground. Here’s a closer look at the differences between onlays and inlays.

What Part of the Tooth Do Inlays and Onlays Cover?

Inlays are placed between the cusps of your back teeth, covering the grooves and crevices on your chewing surfaces. Onlays are placed over the cusps of your teeth to provide greater protection if needed.

When They’re Used

Inlays are a good option if you have tooth decay that’s located between the cusps of your teeth. Onlays are suitable when tooth damage affects the cusps, but they’re also used to strengthen teeth after root canals.

How Much Coverage Do They Provide?

Inlays only cover part of your tooth surface, not the entire surface. Onlays cover a wider area that includes your tooth cusps and the sides of your tooth.

What They’re an Alternative For

We use inlays and onlays in Westwood, KS, and North Kansas City, MO, as alternatives to other types of dental restorations. Inlays are a great option if you have a cavity that’s too big for a filling. Onlays offer a good alternative to full crowns for teeth that don’t have significant damage.

Schedule an Appointment Today for Tooth Restoration

Are you comparing different options for restoring damaged teeth? At NKC Dental, we offer inlays and onlays in North Kansas City, MO, and Westwood, KS, for patients who need an alternative to crowns and fillings.