Treatments
White Fillings
Composite and Inlays
A Filling is the dental treatment used to repair teeth that are decayed.
About This Treatment
A filling does what it says it does—it is filling in a cavity, a hole that has been created by decay or trauma, essentially building back a tooth to its original form.
When we create a filling from composite resin, we shade the white material so that it blends naturally with the surrounding tooth structure. The result is a restoration that is practically invisible.
Inlays and onlays are used when the damage or decay to a tooth requires more than a filling—but less than a crown. In other words, if your tooth does not have enough tooth structure for a filling but it is not so severely damaged that it warrants a crown, you may be an excellent candidate for an inlay or onlay.
Different types of fillings exist:
- Amalgam – the strongest, most durable and least expensive option.
- Composite resin – durable fillings for small to medium-sized cavities, a little more expensive than amalgam, but more attractive in both hidden and visible areas.
- Glass or resin “ionomers” – mimic natural tooth color and are used for filling cavities in areas of the root or gum line.
Inlays and Onlays – are superior fit fillings, made in the laboratory, extremely durable due to the material they are made of, resemble more natural teeth and less likely to discolour over time. They are a great choice if the decay extends into the flossing area or repair teeth that already have large defective fillings.
At A Glance
Treatment Time
1 Hour for Composite Fillings - 2 Visits of 1 Hour for Inlays/onlays
Result
Whiter Smile, Stronger More Durable Fillings
Downtime
None
As A Comparison
| White Composite | Inlays/Onlays | |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Like | Material | Glass Like |
| Medium | Durability | Maximum |
| Less Strong | Strength | Stronger |
| 1 Visit | No. Of Visits | 2 Visits, 2 Weeks Apart |
Dr Germain Explains Inlays and Onlays
Dr. Alexandra is great! Very professional, detail oriented and truly cares about her clients. I got two fillings done with her and she even checked in after the procedures to make sure everything is OK. She Uses the most modern equipment and is a pleasure to work with. Would highly recommend her! Also, very hygiene and safety oriented in this time of Covid
- This is what to expect during a white filling procedure at Identity Smile Clinic
- The tooth is numbed and is isolated from saliva to keep it dry.
- Any dental decay is removed or any old defective filling
- Active dental products are applied to the tooth to ensure the bonding of the filling onto the tooth.
- A special light is used to harden each layer of composite resin white filling material.
- The Bite on the tooth is adjusted so the patient feels comfortable on biting
- Finally, the filling is smoothed and polished.
- This is what to expect during an inlay or onlay procedure at Identity Smile Clinic
Inlays and onlays require 2 dental visits:
At the first Dental visit:
- The tooth is numbed and is isolated from saliva to keep it dry.
- Any dental decay is removed or any old defective filling
- An impression is made of the tooth and sent to our dental laboratory.
- A temporary filling is placed on the tooth until the second appointment
- At the laboratory, the inlay or onlay is crafted by an expert ceramist
At the second dental visit:
- The tooth is numbed
- The temporary filling is removed
- The tooth is cleaned and the new inlay/onlay is tried
- The inlay/onlay is cemented
- The new filling is adjusted so the bite feel comfortable
- The inlay/onlay is polished.
- What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
They are both indirect white fillings, made by the laboratory but their shapes are different. Inlays are smaller and fit inside the cusp tips of the tooth, in the inner centre part of it. Onlays cover the top chewing surface of the tooth plus the inner surface. They are bigger.
- When do I know I need an inlay or an onlay?
Reasons you might need an inlay or an onlay:
- Broken or fractured tooth.
- Cosmetic enhancement, replacing old large amalgam fillings
- Decayed teeth, caries
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
