Porcalain Fillings - Inlays / Onlays

Both onlay fillings and white fillings (also known as composite fillings) are popular options for treating dental issues, but they are used for different purposes, and the procedures and materials involved differ. Here’s a comparison of the two types of fillings to help you understand which one might be best for your dental needs.

Key Differences Between Onlay Fillings and White Fillings

1. Coverage: Onlay fillings cover a larger area of the tooth, especially the cusps, while white fillings are typically used for small cavities and fill in the decayed portion directly.
2. Durability: Onlays are generally more durable and long-lasting compared to white fillings, especially for back teeth that are subjected to heavy chewing forces.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Both onlay fillings and white fillings are aesthetically pleasing, with the ability to match the natural color of your teeth. However, onlays tend to provide a more natural-looking result because they cover more of the tooth, giving it a smoother, more seamless appearance.
4. Treatment Time: White fillings are quicker to place since they are applied directly to the cavity, while onlays require at least two visits because they are custom-made in a lab.

When Should You Choose an Onlay Filling?

Onlay fillings are ideal for:

• Teeth with moderate decay or damage, where preserving the natural tooth structure is important.
• Teeth with extensive damage that still have a strong core to support the onlay.
• Teeth that need more durable restoration, particularly molars that endure more chewing force.

When Should You Choose a White Filling?

White fillings are ideal for:

• Small cavities or minor damage in teeth.
• Filling cavities on front teeth that are visible, where aesthetic results are important.
• Restoring teeth without requiring extensive tooth preparation.

Which Is Right for You?

Both onlay fillings and white fillings offer excellent restorative solutions, but the choice between the two depends on the severity of the tooth damage and the aesthetic goals you want to achieve. For more extensive damage, onlay fillings are often the better choice due to their strength and durability. However, for small cavities, white fillings are a great option that provides a natural look and can be applied more quickly.

If you are unsure about which option is right for you, it’s best to consult with a dentist at Citydent Istanbul, where the team will help you determine the most appropriate treatment based on your specific dental needs.

When it comes to dental restorations, onlay fillings and crowns are two commonly used solutions to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Both are effective options, but they differ in the amount of tooth they cover, the procedures involved, and the types of dental issues they address. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which treatment may be best suited for your needs.

Key Differences Between Onlays and Crowns

Here are the main differences between onlay fillings and crowns:

Tooth Coverage: Onlays cover only the damaged parts of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth.

Procedure: Onlays typically require less removal of natural tooth structure than crowns, making them a more conservative option.

Aesthetic Results: Both onlays and crowns can be made from porcelain for a natural look, but onlays are typically more aesthetic because they preserve more of the original tooth.

Treatment Time: Onlay application is usually faster than crown placement because it involves less reshaping of the tooth.

Strength and Durability: Crowns provide more strength than onlays, making them suitable for teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, such as molars.

When to Choose Onlays

Consider onlay fillings if:

You have moderate decay or damage to the tooth.

You want to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

You prefer a more aesthetic result with minimal alteration to the tooth.

When to Choose Crowns

Consider crowns if:

Your tooth is extensively damaged or decayed.

You need full coverage and strength for a compromised tooth.

The tooth is severely cracked or fractured.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both onlay fillings and crowns are excellent options for repairing damaged teeth, but they serve different purposes. Onlays are ideal for moderate damage, while crowns are more suitable for teeth that are severely compromised. Your dentist will assess your individual case and help determine the best restoration option for you, based on your dental condition and goals.

If you’re unsure whether an onlay filling or a crown is right for you, a consultation with a dentist at Citydent Istanbul will help guide you through the decision-making process.

he process of placing an onlay filling at Citydent Istanbul involves several carefully planned stages, designed to ensure both effective and comfortable treatment for the patient. Below are the typical stages of treatment for onlay fillings:

1. Initial Consultation and Examination

The process begins with a thorough consultation at Citydent Istanbul, where our experienced dentists will examine the affected tooth. X-rays or 3D imaging may be taken to assess the condition of the tooth and surrounding bone. This helps determine if an onlay is the best solution for your dental issue.

2. Tooth Preparation

Once the dentist confirms that an onlay is suitable, the next step is preparing the tooth. The decayed or damaged part of the tooth will be removed, and the tooth will be reshaped to create a proper base for the onlay. Local anesthesia is used to ensure a pain-free experience during this step.

3. Impression Taking

After the tooth is prepared, a precise impression of the tooth is taken. This can be done using a digital scanner or traditional impression materials. This impression is crucial as it helps create a custom-made onlay that fits your tooth perfectly, ensuring optimal function and appearance.

4. Temporary Filling

In most cases, a temporary filling will be placed in the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent onlay is being created. This temporary solution helps prevent sensitivity and protects the tooth until the permanent restoration is ready.

5. Fabrication of the Onlay

Once the impression is made, it is sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians create the onlay from high-quality materials such as porcelain, composite, or gold. The onlay is crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your natural tooth. The fabrication process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks.

6. Fitting the Onlay

After the permanent onlay is ready, you will return to Citydent Istanbul for the fitting. During this visit, our dentists will check the fit of the onlay, ensuring that it matches the shape of your tooth. Any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure that the onlay fits comfortably and functions properly when you bite or chew.

7. Bonding the Onlay

Once the fit is confirmed, the dentist will apply a bonding agent to the tooth. The onlay is then carefully placed and bonded using a special adhesive. A special light is used to harden the bonding material, ensuring a secure and durable bond between the onlay and the tooth.

8. Final Adjustments and Polishing

After the onlay is securely in place, the dentist will make any final adjustments needed to ensure comfort and proper function. Excess bonding material will be removed, and the onlay will be polished to give it a smooth, shiny finish. The onlay will blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.

9. Post-Treatment Care

After the procedure, our team at Citydent Istanbul will provide you with aftercare instructions. It is important to avoid consuming very hot or cold foods immediately after the procedure and maintain good oral hygiene. Follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure everything is healing as expected.

10. Follow-up Appointments

A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure the onlay is functioning properly. If there are any issues with the fit or comfort, adjustments can be made at this time.

Conclusion

The process of getting an onlay filling at Citydent Istanbul is straightforward and involves several essential steps, from the initial consultation and tooth preparation to the final bonding and polishing of the onlay. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality, durable, and aesthetic results, ensuring that your onlay fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. If you're looking for bonding in Istanbul, Citydent Istanbul is the ideal place to achieve both functional and cosmetic excellence in dental care.

Onlay fillings are a durable option for dental restorations, and their lifespan can vary depending on several factors such as material choice, the location of the filling, and your oral care habits.

On average, onlay fillings can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, this duration can be influenced by:

1. Material: Porcelain onlays tend to last longer than composite resin onlays, as porcelain is more durable and resistant to wear.
2. Location: Onlays placed on back teeth, which endure more pressure from chewing, may wear out faster than those placed on front teeth.
3. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, can help extend the lifespan of onlay fillings by preventing decay or plaque buildup around the restoration.
4. Dietary Habits: Avoiding hard or sticky foods and practices like teeth grinding can help prevent damage to the onlay.
5. Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams can help catch any issues with the onlay before they lead to bigger problems.

With proper care and maintenance, onlay fillings can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking solution for dental restoration.

Advantages of Onlay Fillings

Onlay fillings offer several benefits when it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, especially in the posterior (back) areas. Here are the key advantages of onlay fillings:

1. Durability and Longevity Onlay fillings, particularly porcelain or composite onlays, are known for their durability. They can withstand significant chewing pressure and are less prone to wear and tear compared to traditional fillings. This makes them a long-lasting solution, often lasting for many years with proper care.

2. Aesthetic Appeal Onlays are custom-designed to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth structure, providing an aesthetic result. Porcelain onlays are especially good at mimicking the appearance of natural tooth enamel, making them a great choice for patients who are concerned about the visual appeal of their dental restorations.

3. Minimal Tooth Removal Onlays require less removal of natural tooth structure compared to crowns, as they only cover the damaged areas of the tooth rather than completely encasing it. This preserves more of the tooth's natural structure, making it a more conservative option.

4. Improved Strength and Function Onlay fillings restore both the form and function of the tooth. They provide added strength to the tooth, especially when compared to traditional fillings. This is particularly important for molars or teeth that experience significant pressure during chewing.

5. Protection Against Future Decay Onlays create a strong, protective barrier over the treated area, helping to prevent further decay and damage. They are less likely to develop new cavities than traditional fillings, making them a more effective long-term solution.

6. Custom Fit and Comfort Onlay fillings are custom-made based on impressions of your teeth, which ensures a perfect fit. This makes them more comfortable than generic fillings and enhances their performance by providing a snug, secure fit that prevents gaps where bacteria could accumulate.

7. Versatility Onlays can be used for various dental issues, including large cavities, fractured teeth, or teeth with multiple areas of damage. They can also be used to restore teeth after a root canal treatment, offering both strength and aesthetic appeal.

8. Biocompatibility Materials used in onlays, such as porcelain and composite resin, are highly biocompatible, meaning they are unlikely to cause allergic reactions or irritation to the gums and surrounding tissues.

9. Resistance to Staining Porcelain onlays are highly resistant to staining and discoloration, which helps maintain the aesthetic appearance of your teeth over time. They can retain their bright, natural look even with regular consumption of food and beverages that often stain teeth, like coffee or wine.

Conclusion

Onlay fillings offer a combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and functionality, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to restore damaged teeth while maintaining a natural-looking smile. Whether you need to restore a fractured tooth or replace a large filling, onlays provide a strong, long-lasting, and attractive solution.

Disadvantages and Risks of Onlay Fillings

While onlay fillings offer many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages and risks to consider before choosing this treatment. Below are the key disadvantages and risks of onlay fillings:

1. More Invasive Than Traditional Fillings Although onlays require less tooth removal than crowns, they still require more preparation than simple fillings. This involves removing part of the tooth to make space for the onlay, which may not be ideal for patients who wish to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

2. Higher Cost Onlay fillings, especially those made from porcelain, tend to be more expensive than traditional fillings or composite fillings. This is because they require custom fabrication and may involve multiple visits to the dentist. The higher cost may not be suitable for all budgets.

3. Multiple Appointments The process of placing an onlay typically involves two or more dental visits: one for taking impressions and preparing the tooth, and another for placing and fitting the onlay. This can be more time-consuming compared to traditional fillings, which can often be completed in a single visit.

4. Risk of Sensitivity After the placement of an onlay, some patients may experience tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This can occur due to the preparation process, as the tooth is being shaped and altered. Typically, this sensitivity is temporary and will subside over time.

5. Not Suitable for All Patients Onlays are generally best suited for larger cavities or teeth with significant damage. For small cavities, less invasive treatments like composite fillings may be a better option. In some cases, a crown may be a better solution for restoring a severely damaged tooth, as onlays may not provide the necessary coverage and strength.

6. Risk of Bonding Failure Although rare, onlays can sometimes experience bonding failure, where the onlay loosens or falls off. This can occur due to poor preparation, improper bonding, or trauma to the tooth. To minimize this risk, it's essential to ensure the onlay is applied by an experienced dentist and maintained properly.

7. Potential for Staining (Composite Onlays) While porcelain onlays are highly resistant to staining, composite resin onlays may be more prone to discoloration over time, especially if exposed to staining substances such as coffee, wine, or tobacco. This can impact the aesthetic appearance of the onlay over time.

8. Wear Over Time Like any dental restoration, onlays can wear down over time, especially in patients with bruxism (teeth grinding) or those who put significant pressure on their teeth while chewing. Although they are more durable than fillings, they are not as durable as natural tooth enamel, and they may require replacement eventually.

9. Possible Gum Irritation If the onlay does not fit properly or is not placed well, it may cause irritation to the surrounding gum tissue. This can lead to discomfort, gum inflammation, or even infection in rare cases. It's important to ensure the fit is checked carefully during the procedure.

Conclusion

While onlay fillings are a highly effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring teeth, they come with potential risks and drawbacks, such as higher costs, the need for multiple appointments, and possible tooth sensitivity. It's important to discuss these factors with your dentist to determine whether onlays are the best option for your dental needs, and to ensure you are fully aware of the process and any associated risks.

At Citydent Istanbul, we offer high-quality onlay fillings that are designed to restore and enhance the function and appearance of your teeth. The cost of onlay fillings can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, the material used, and the number of fillings required.

To receive a personalized quote, we recommend contacting us directly. You can easily reach us via WhatsApp, email, or by calling our office. Our team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the prices based on your specific dental needs and treatment plan. At Citydent, we are committed to offering affordable and effective solutions while maintaining the highest standards of care for our patients.