How Long Do Dental Onlays Last? 

If you have large metal fillings that you want to have replaced to make them look more natural and function like your natural teeth, a great option would be to consider dental onlays.

 

But what are dental onlays? When are they needed, and how long do they last? At the Dentists Old Market, we have created a complete guide to tell you everything you need to know about dental onlay treatment.

 

Enquire about dental onlay treatment today.

 

What Are Dental Onlays?

A Dental Onlay is a prosthetic tooth restoration designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are tailored to fit directly onto the biting surface of your tooth to provide strength and prevent further decaying. Onlays are made from a range of solid materials including gold, porcelain, resin, and other composite materials. 

At the Dentists Old Market, we use high-quality porcelain for both inlays and onlays to ensure the natural appearance and durability that is sure to last. 

What’s the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

Inlays are very similar to onlays in the sense that they both restore damage to a tooth. However, the difference is that inlays are typically used for teeth that present more mild forms of breakage or decay, and are placed only in the centre of the tooth. 

Onlays are used to replace larger areas where the damage is more advanced, often providing restoration to the cusp or outer edge of the tooth as well as the centre. 

When Would a Dentist Recommend a Dental Onlay?

A dentist would typically recommend a dental onlay in the following situations:

• When the cusp of the tooth is damaged and cannot be restored using a filling or a dental inlay.
• To prevent the requirement of removing more of the tooth to prepare for a crown. 
• To replace a current filling and prevent further damage to the tooth.
• To use instead of a filling in cases where there is a weaker tooth structure, preventing further breakage. 

 

 

How Long Do Dental Onlays Last?

Dental onlays are highly durable and long-term solutions to the breakage of teeth. They typically last for around 10-15 years. Onlays are recommended to eventually be replaced like most other dental prosthetic appliances.

Dental Onlay Treatment Process

Step 1 – Removing the Previous Filling (If Present)

Patients with existing fillings will have them removed by a dentist before beginning onlay treatment. Your tooth will then be prepared in a sufficient shape to allow the piece to be placed more easily.

Step 2 – Taking an Impression of the Tooth

During your first appointment, an impression will be taken of the affected tooth that allows your dental professional to create a mold for your onlay.

Step 3 – Placing a Temporary Filling

While your porcelain onlay is being prepared, a temporary filling is often installed into the cavity to protect the health of your tooth in the meantime and guard it against hot or cold temperatures of food and drink. This also protects the cavity from getting any larger while preparation is being completed.

 

The temporary filling will need special attention and care to avoid damaging or removing it completely. To take care of your temporary filling, avoid flossing to stop the chance of accidental damage or removal, gently brush twice a day, and do not chew on hard or sticky foods such as gum, nuts, or ice. 

 

If your temporary filling does become damaged or dislodged, contact your dental professional immediately.

 

Did you know that at the Dentists Old Market, all onlays can be designed and fitted in one single appointment, eliminating the need for a temporary filling? Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Step 4 – Installing the Dental Onlay

Once your porcelain onlay is created, it will be fitted to fit your tooth and blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth.

Do Dental Onlays Hurt?

Throughout the installation process of your dental onlays, you will be administered a local anaesthetic to numb the area and won’t feel any pain. You may experience mild discomfort after your treatment that can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers. 

 

How Much Do Dental Onlays Cost?

Inlays/Onlays and crowns typically cost £695 per tooth. However, at the Dentists Old Market, we offer a Practice Plan that helps make treatment more affordable. 

 

Benefits of our Practise Plan include 20% off all treatments and regular appointments included for as little as £17.70 per month. 

What Are the Benefits of Onlays?

When compared to other alternative materials for inlays/onlays such as metal or amalgam, porcelain can be matched much more closely to the shade of your natural tooth. Using porcelain helps the inlay/onlay blend in seamlessly with your other teeth, this is particularly useful within more frontal teeth where the filling would normally be seen while smiling or talking.

When using porcelain onlays, they are built to be durable and to last for the long term. The onlay restores function to your tooth and provides protection to the tooth from further breakage/ fracture. Porcelain onlays are also stain-resistant, keeping it looking its best for as long as possible.

Dental Onlays Vs Crowns –  What is the Difference?

When considering dental onlays, often one of the biggest questions is what is the difference between this treatment and a dental crown?

 

Compared to a crown, a dental onlay is often considered a less invasive treatment, requiring a smaller amount of the tooth to be removed and shaped. This allows more of the structure of the damaged tooth to remain in place. 

 

Crowns are typically used in severe cases of tooth decay where this portion of the tooth cannot be saved and the entire tooth must be covered, rather than just the cusp area.

 

Dental Onlay Aftercare

Follow the following steps after your dental onlay treatment to ensure successful healing:

• Avoid eating or drinking until the local anaesthetic has worn off. 
• Brush and floss your teeth as normal, unless told otherwise by your dental professional.
• Do not use the treated tooth to bite anything hard for 24 hours. 

 

Experiencing mild discomfort after treatment is normal. However, if you notice that the tooth that has been treated is positioned higher than your natural teeth, this is described as a high bite. Contact the dentist if you experience a high bite, as this will need to be lowered to avoid damage to the dental onlay.  

 

Get in Touch With a Certified Bristol Dentist

Are you thinking you may be interested in onlay treatment, but need to ask some more questions? Get in touch with the Dentists Old Market’s friendly and professional team and they will be happy to help.