There are many different types of dental restoration treatments available today. Some target cosmetic issues, some address structural problems, and others treat specific conditions.
The two most common types of dental restoration treatments are tooth fillings and crowns. Both are used to repair damaged teeth, but each type of treatment addresses different issues.
With inlays and onlays in the picture as well, there may be some confusion as to what each of these solutions does and how they differ. In this article, Dr. Velasco will explain some differences, pros and cons, and what’s best for you.
What Are These Dental Restoration Methods?
What are Tooth Fillings?
Several different kinds of dental fillings repair tooth decay. They are called dental fillings because they fill cavities in teeth. There are two main types of dental fillings: composite resin and amalgam (silver). Composite resins are made of plastic and metal particles mixed. Amalgams are made of silver and mercury. Both types of dental fillings are commonly used to restore damaged teeth.
The most common dental filling material is composite resin. This is a mixture of plastic and glass particles that hardens when exposed to light. Composite resin is usually applied directly over the decayed area of the tooth. Once cured, it looks just like natural enamel. However, composite resin does not last forever. After approximately five years, it begins to wear away. At this point, it needs to be replaced with another restoration.
Amalgam is a popular alternative to composite resin. It’s composed of a mixture of silver and tin particles. Silver is toxic, so amalgam should never be placed inside the body. But it’s still considered safe enough for use in dentistry. Like composite resin, amalgam lasts for many years. However, after ten years, it, too, must be restored.
What is an Inlay/ Onlay?
An inlay is a thin layer of material placed between two teeth to fill gaps or repair damaged tooth structure. An onlay is similar except it covers only half of the tooth surface. Both types of materials are used to restore decayed areas of teeth.
The most common type of inlay is called composite resin. Composite resins are made from a combination of plastic and glass fibers. They’re strong and durable, and they bond well to tooth surfaces. However, composite resins tend to be slightly translucent, making them hard to match to natural tooth color.
Another popular inlay material is porcelain. Porcelain is stronger than composite resins because it contains no plastic fiber. But porcelain doesn’t bond well to tooth surfaces, so it must be bonded to the tooth with special bonding agents.
Onlays are recommended for repairing small cavities. They cover the entire affected tooth area, including the enamel and dentin layers. Like porcelain inlays, onlays require special bonding agents to attach to the tooth.
What are Dental Crowns?
The most common type of tooth restoration is called a dental crown. This is a cap placed over the top of the tooth that covers the entire visible portion of the tooth.
There are two dental crown types: porcelain crowns and composite resin crowns. Porcelain crowns are made out of ceramic material and are highly durable. Composite resin crowns are made out of plastic materials and used when there is not enough tooth structure left to support a porcelain crown.
Composite resin crowns are used when the tooth is damaged beyond repair. They are often preferred because they are cheaper than porcelain crowns. However, they are not nearly as strong as porcelain crowns, so they may chip or crack over time.
Porcelain crowns are stronger than composite resin crowns but are more expensive. They are also harder to apply than composite resin crowns.
What Makes These Dental Restoration Options Different?
Filling a cavity is the most basic form of dental restoration. Cavity filling involves removing decay from the surface of a tooth and restoring the tooth with a filling material.
Dental crowns are recommended when a large amount of damage exists below the gum line. However, crowns aren’t appropriate for every situation. For instance, crowns won’t work well when the tooth is cracked or broken.
Onlays are similar to crowns. They’re usually made of porcelain and cover only the visible portion of the tooth, just like crowns. But unlike crowns, onlays are designed to be placed over existing dentin. Thus, they require less preparation than crowns.
Inlays are similar to onlays. They’re also made out of porcelain and cover only the visible portions of the tooth. Unlike onlays, however, inlays are designed to replace the missing enamel. So instead of replacing the dentin, they’re designed to replace the enamel.
How They Differ Based on Cost
The cost differences between these procedures depend on several factors. This includes the type of procedure performed, the number of teeth needing treatment, the location where the treatment takes place, and whether insurance is providing coverage.
Here are some examples of the cost differences between tooth fillings, inlays, onlays, and dentinal crowns (keep in mind, these prices vary and are findings based on average):
- Tooth filling: $200 – $600 without insurance coverage
- Inlays: $250 – $1,500
- Onlays: $350 – $1,500
- Dental crown: $1,950 – $2900
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost differences between these different dental solutions, research or contact your dentist’s office.
How Are These Treatments Similar?
There are a few similarities among tooth fillings, inlays, onlays, and dental crowns. They’re all used to repair damaged teeth. However, there are some differences between them.
When a dentist makes a filling, they remove decay from the inside of the tooth and fill the hole with a hard substance called composite resin.
An inlay is similar to a filling though it covers only a tiny portion of the tooth. An inlay is placed over decayed areas of the tooth where the enamel is thin.
Onlays cover large portions of the tooth and are used when the tooth needs extensive restoration.
The material types in all of these treatments share a similarity, as most of them offer composite resin and porcelain types.
They Each Have Advantages and Disadvantages
Each of these treatments has its set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what each one can do for your smile:
Tooth Fillings
Advantages:
- Tooth fillings have been proven to prevent tooth decay.
- They are inexpensive and easily accessible.
Disadvantages:
- They may cause allergic reactions if not properly sealed.
- They may leak over time.
- They may become loose and fall out.
- They may require replacement.
Inlays and Onlays
Advantages:
- Inlays and onlays provide a durable surface that is resistant to scratches and damage.
- Inlays offer a smooth surface that is easier to clean than natural stone.
- Onlays can be shaped to fit any size tooth.
Disadvantages:
- They may need to be replaced after a few years.
- They may chip or break.
- They may shift during chewing.
- They may need replacement.
Dentinal Crowns
Advantages:
- Dentinal crowns are the strongest option available for restoring a tooth.
- They are less likely to chip or crack than other options.
Disadvantages:
- They are more expensive than other options.
- They are difficult to install.
- They may need replacement.
Which Treatment Should I Get?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you prefer a long-lasting restoration, you should consider opting for a dental crown procedure. It’s important to note that this option requires a lot of care and maintenance. You’ll need to brush and floss regularly to keep it healthy.
Sometimes, an inlay or onlay is a better option if you don’t want to deal with all the extra work involved with a dental crown. However, if you’d prefer something that looks more natural, then you might want to choose an inlay or onlays.
Choose The Professionals at Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry
At Uptown Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry, we understand the importance of your smile and what it means to you. This is why we built our practice around providing high-quality cosmetic dentistry services to patients like you.
Dr. Roberto Velasco and our team of highly trained professionals will help you achieve beautiful results every step of the way. We look forward to helping you get the smile you deserve!
Contact us today by either filling out our online form or calling us at 713-960-9623. We would love to hear from you!
