Fillings, inlays and onlays seal the gaps in teeth caused by decay and help to protect teeth from further damage.
White Fillings in Kelmscott
Traditional fillings are silver and made of amalgam (mercury) that are durable enough to withstand chewing forces but aren’t very aesthetically-pleasing. Silver fillings also require more of the natural tooth to be filed down in preparation of the filling being placed. This can put the tooth at risk of fracturing.
White fillings have become a popular alternative for restoring teeth. Made from composite resin, a white filling works in harmony with the tooth’s structure, blends in your natural tooth colour and requires less of the tooth to be filed down. White fillings are directly applied, formed to tooth’s shape and bonded in place using a curing light.
Due for a filling? Book an appointment at Kelmscott Dental on (08) 9495 7999 or book online.
The Lifespan of a Filling
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) the lifespan of a filling depends on the position, shape, material, and functioning pressure. Larger fillings that “bear a heavy functional load” tend to break down quicker than those that are smaller and have little force.
During your appointment, your dentist may have an idea of the life expectancy of the filling. Your dentist regularly monitors your fillings as part of a routine check-up, looking for decay, sensitivity, cracks, discolouration or weakness.
Composite Resin Fillings
Composite resin is a plastic filling material that can be matched to blend in with the tooth’s natural colour. It is used to fill small cavities or small defects caused by fracture.
The material is applied directly to the prepared tooth and sculpted into the right shape. The material hardens and bonds to the tooth structure using a curing light. It’s then polished to a high shine, and practically indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Larger gaps in teeth may be sealed using porcelain inlays or onlays. All filling options are colour-matched to blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Composite resin is also used for tooth bonding, where a front tooth is resurfaced to correct aesthetic flaws in the colour, shape or position of a tooth.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain is a very strong, durable and aesthetic material suitable for larger gaps or cracks. Porcelain is colour-matched to your tooth and has a translucent quality similar to enamel. Inlays and onlays are used when a filling isn’t suitable to seal a gap.
Inlays fill larger gaps in teeth and are made using impressions taken of the tooth and custom-designed in a dental lab. When they come back from the lab, they are cemented onto the tooth for a precise fit. Inlays restore the chewing surfaces of a back tooth and tend to contract less than conventional fillings, which means they last longer.
Onlays are similar to inlays, but cover the cusp or raised points of the tooth, as well as the chewing surface. Onlays are used for larger restorations where a filling or inlay wouldn’t be enough to cover the gap. Like inlays, they are also custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit and tend to be more expensive than fillings or inlays.
Book a Consultation with Us
If you think you need a dental examination or are concerned about an existing filling or restoration, call the team at Kelmscott Dental on (08) 9495 7999 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a filling, inlay and onlay?
Fillings are made of composite resin and bonded directly onto the prepared tooth while inlays and onlays are made of milled porcelain and custom-made using impressions of your mouth that are provided to a dental lab to design. Fillings and inlays restore chewing surfaces while onlays restore both the chewing surfaces and cusps of a tooth. Inlays and onlays are more expensive but can last longer than fillings.
When would I need an onlay?
An onlay is used to restore a gap caused by a larger cavity that spills over the cusp (raised points) of a tooth, as well as the chewing surface.
How long does a filling last?
A composite filling can last between 5 and 10 years. Teeth that have been restored are still prone to chipping and tooth decay, which is why it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, to keep teeth and gums in good shape.
How long does an inlay or onlay last?
With good care, a porcelain inlay or onlay can last between 10 and 15 years on average. Porcelain is very durable and is able to withstand greater chewing forces than composite resin, and because they’re designed in a lab for a precise fit, they are at less risk of developing tooth decay.
Is an onlay better than a crown?
Onlays are generally less expensive than crowns and can last just as long as a crown with proper care, however if the tooth has been damaged to a point where its structure is at risk, a dental crown may be the recommended treatment. Inlays are adjustable, repairable and require less preparation than a crown but offer less strength and durability.
CONSULTATIONS
Book an implant consultation with Dr Norcross today!
CLICK HERE OR CALL (08) 9495 7999
NEW PATIENT OFFER $350
Comprehensive Dental Assessment for $350 (valued at $516) includes:
- Comprehensive examination
- 2 check-up x-rays (if required)
- Full mouth panoramic x-ray (if required)
- Treatment planning