Inlay – what is it actually? Many people ask themselves this question when they hear this term for the first time. You have heard it here and there before, but very few people know exactly what is behind it.
In the following, we would therefore like to explain to you what is behind this term. We will also introduce you to the different types of Inlays, their advantages and disadvantages, in order to finally talk about the costs.
The aim of this article is that you are informed as best as possible and can then independently decide whether and to what extent an Inlay is suitable for you.
What is an Inlay / Onlay?
Since a hole in the tooth does not heal on its own as a result of caries, this hole must be treated and sealed properly. Often one uses tooth fillings. These consist of a plastic mass (e.g. plastic or amalgam) which is filled into the hole and hardens there.
However, the filling must withstand high loads and is therefore usually replaced after a certain time.
Nowadays, Inlay represents a high-quality and modern alternative. It is a so-called Inlay filling, which consists of a solid material. Here, a precisely fitting insert is made in a dental laboratory, which is then glued into the affected area. With particularly large Inlays, one also speaks of Onlays because they cover a larger area.
Inlays and Onlays have the advantage over conventional tooth fillings that they are much more durable. With proper care, they usually last a lifetime.
Why are Inlays so durable?
This is due to the materials used. Because white fillings usually consist of plastic (e.g. composite) or amalgam, modern Inlays and Onlays are made of ceramic.
Let’s look at the different types of Inlays.
Ceramic Inlay
Ceramic is a very popular material in dentistry because its special properties make it stand out from other materials.
The biggest advantage of a ceramic Inlay is its colour. Ceramic can be adjusted very precisely to the natural tooth colour, so that the Inlay is almost invisible. This makes it one of the most popular materials for this type of treatment.
Another specialty of ceramics is their high compatibility. While amalgam and other substances can lead to allergic reactions or undesirable side effects, ceramics are biologically inert (inert).
The disadvantages of a ceramic Inlay must be considered relatively. Because it is a material that is firmer than the natural tooth substance, it can happen that some patients experience toothache.
These can occur if the hard Inlay presses on the tooth that has become porous or if it was not made to fit and therefore presses on the healthy neighboring teeth.
Gold Inlay
Before ceramics enjoyed great popularity, gold was primarily used as a material for the production of an Inlay or Onlay.
Gold comes closest to the natural tooth with its degree of hardness and also impresses with its very long durability. Gold Inlays usually last at least 25 years.
Even today, the gold Inlay is still very popular, e.g. has some clear disadvantages compared to the ceramic Inlay. The processing of gold is very complex and represents a great challenge for the dentist as well as for the dental technician. So great manual skills are required here.
At the same time, gold is a relatively expensive material, which is why it is gradually being replaced by the ceramic Inlay as the most popular material. Last but not least, a gold Inlay is not always the best choice for aesthetic reasons. It is very noticeable and is recommended only for the posterior molars, where the colour plays a minor role.
Gold Inlays are therefore very durable, and their properties are very similar to natural teeth, but at the same time they are also very expensive and unaesthetic.
Cerec Inlay
The Cerec Inlay is an Inlay that is produced in a special process. The material used is also ceramic, but the entire treatment process can be completed in just a single day.
Cerec means Ceramic Reconstruction and dispenses with the conventional impression of the dentition and instead uses an elaborate camera-based process for optical impression.
Subsequently, a digital model of the dentition is created using 3D Software and a suitable Inlay is constructed on the Computer. The data is then forwarded to a machine which uses a milling cutter to mill the Inlay out of a ceramic block. This process takes only a few minutes, so that the entire treatment can be completed in a single day.
However, the Cerec System is by no means a new invention but has been known since the 1980s. At that time, the University of Zurich developed this process and it has been refined ever since.
Cost of an Inlay
An Inlay may only be a small product, but behind the production of this small product hides an effort that many do not even suspect. This starts with the impression of the teeth, goes over the planning and production and ends with the insertion and adjustment of the finished Inlay.
Each of these steps is very time-consuming and therefore justifies the comparatively high price for a tooth Inlay. A ceramic Inlay therefore costs about £215-500. A comparable gold Inlay beats due to the higher material cost, with about £300-600 to beech.
Find out more about Inlay & Onlay prices here.
Unfortunately, legally insured patients usually must bear the costs completely themselves, since an Inlay is not a cash benefit. Since 1996, the insured person has received a grant, but this grant is very small and is actually just enough for a conventional amalgam filling. This was also sufficient from the point of view of the insurance companies.
BENEFITS
Filling
- Fast and easy manufacturing
- Inexpensive
- Will be taken over by the insurance company
Inlay
- Custom-fit
- Inconspicuous and aesthetic (ceramic Inlay)
- High Compatibility
- Long shelf life (more than 25 years)
MINUSES
Filling
- Shorter Shelf Life
- Potential Incompatibility (Amalgam Filling)
Inlay
- Great Effort
- High Costs
- Is only rarely taken over by the insurance company
Inlay or crown?
In the case of major damage and with low tooth substance, a filling or a normal Inlay is no longer sufficient to provide you with aesthetic and sustainable care. In this case, one uses crowns or Onlays. But here again the question arises which of the two methods should be chosen.
In order to make your decision easier, we have vividly summarized the most important points:
BENEFITS
Crown
- Excellent with little tooth substance
- Good care of advanced caries
- High quality and durable
- Aesthetic
Inlay
- Custom-fit
- Inconspicuous and aesthetic (ceramic Inlay)
- High Compatibility
- Long shelf life (more than 25 years)
MINUSES
Crown
- Great Effort
- High costs (depending on type £260- 860 )
- Only certain crown types are covered by the insurance policy
Inlay
- Great Effort
- High Costs
- Is only rarely taken over by the insurance company
Conclusion
A tooth Inlay is an attractive and aesthetic Alternative to conventional tooth filling and can also offer advantages over a tooth crown.
Which method you choose ultimately also depends on whether you can or want to afford such a price-intensive supply. Apart from the financial aspect, there is no Argument against the Inlay.
The most important thing, however, is that your caries disease is treated professionally and on time. Therefore, take care of your dental health and do not miss the Check-up appointment with your trusted dentist.
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