Onlay Vs Crown: Comparing Which Is A Better Option For Restoration

Tooth restoration is widely known and improved now. Variety of restoration treatments are available. Why don’t we make some comparisons among them? For instance, onlay vs. crown. To know more about tooth restoration, visit Dental Studio today at Potts Point. Both onlays and dental crowns are the types of restorations applicable to treat a single tooth. To start the comparison between them, let us first state information about onlays.

Onlay

Onlay is a way to restore a tooth that a dental filling cannot accommodate, but not damaged enough to require a crown. A dentist applies a dental onlay on the inside and outside areas of the tooth while a dental inlay is for the tooth’s central area. Manufacturers use composite resins, metal or porcelain as materials to make inlays and onlays.

Onlays are applicable to work on cracked or chipped teeth and tooth decay such as cavities or dental caries. A dentist can perform the dental onlay procedure inside a dental clinic. In case that the dentist you chose has equipment inside the clinic, they can make your onlays in their offices. If not, they will send the impression of your tooth to the lab to make it. For this reason, the dentist will provide you with a temporary onlay to prevent infection to your tooth.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are the types of tooth restoration that looks like a tooth-shaped cap. This restorative option covers the affected tooth to restore its shape and size, function (such as chewing), and appearance. Manufacturers use stainless steel, metals, porcelain fused to metal, all resin, all-ceramic or all-porcelain for crowns. Variations will depend on what the patient and dentist agreed upon.

Crowns are good at restoring a completely broken tooth. They also cover misshapen and discoloured teeth, as well as a dental implant. In like manner with onlays, the dentist will also send impressions on the lab to manufacture the crowns. They will also install a temporary crown to serve as protection while waiting for the permanent crown.

Onlay vs crown

Onlays and crowns are the major restorative types that are designated for large areas of decay. Dentists use these options when a dental filling or inlay cannot work out the decay. Between the two, onlay is a lesser aggressive type of restoration. An onlay only requires a smaller amount of tooth structure before placement. Conservation of tooth structure is necessary. Restorations will eventually breakdown over the years after placement.

Speaking of longevity, onlays can last up to around 10 years. As for the crowns, it can last between five to 15 years. The length will always depend on the quality of the crowns and onlays and the dental care provided. You can maximize their lifespan only if you practise good oral hygiene. Several factors can affect the lifespan of these two—first, poor hygiene. Second, low-quality design or poor fit. Lastly, aesthetics, if the patient chose a design using porcelain-fused to metal.

In terms of cost, onlays and crowns have a close amount, but onlay is a little cheaper—however, onlays not usually covered by dental insurance. Unlike crowns, dental insurances cover them. As a result, the dentist and the patient both favour crowns.

Additionally, in terms of placement, an onlay is more difficult to perform compared to a crown. The skill of the dentist will play a great part in the success of onlay placement. Usually, you have to come back to your emergency dentist in Canberra at Definitive Dental for both the onlay and crowns procedure.

Making your choice

The dentist has to examine your dental condition. After that, they will decide which type of restoration you will undergo. The dentist will surely recommend you the best option to restore your tooth. Aside from that, what they greatly consider about this is the amount of tooth decay you have.

Dentists will select a restoration procedure that will completely address the amount of decay you have. Besides that, they should provide you with all the details of the restoration type you will undergo. This way, both of you will get to balance everything at hand. Visit totalcaredentalstudio.com.au for more options on tooth restorations.

You have to instil in your mind to achieve a successful restoration for your tooth’s condition. Working together with your trusted dentist is the key. You will surely agree to an option that is best for your dental condition.

Take away

Even though restorative procedures for your teeth are available, it would still be best to do preventive measures to avoid dental issues. Practising good oral health hygiene and a regular visit to your dentist will help you maintain a healthier smile.

By simply applying these regularly, your dental health has a long way to go. On the positive side, you will no longer need to undergo tooth restorations. Remember, some of these restorations can be quite expensive, and might take too much of your time.