Dental Fillings Vs Dental Inlays

Is a dental inlay better than a ordinary dental filling? What’s the difference between a filling and inlay? In most cases where there is a cavity a filling used as the common dental restoration where the cavity is drilled out and filled with filling material. However, how does a dental filling compare with a dental inlay?

1. A dental filling is a rather simple procedure and is still the most popular choice for most patients when it comes to restoring a tooth. Dental inlays is set to become a popular trend in the future.

2. In terms of costs a dental filling is much more cost effective with a filling for one tooth only costs a few hundred RMB. In comparison to a dental inlay where costs start at over 1,000 RMB and depending on different materials is even more expensive.

3. A dental filling uses a composite resin mixture which is used to fill the cavity and is then cured by a light to set. Whereas a inlay is a premolded filling fitted to the area which requires restoration.

4. If a patient takes care of the teeth very well after a filling or inlay the results can last for a period of time. But with composite fillings the material can chip whereas a inlay can be more durable.  

As with all forms of dental restorations no method can match that of your own natural teeth. Like all other forms of restorations a dental inlay also has it’s disadvantages for example the difference in materials such as porcelain, gold, or composite resin. Some materials are durable but not aesthetically pleasing and vice versa. Also depending on materials will results in the overall costs and sometimes costs can reach 4,000 RMB to 5,000 RMB.

At professional clinic dental inlays do come with a repair guarantee so there is no need to worry. Therefore, whether you choose a dental filling or dental inlay it’s best to see a professional dentist for advice. 

Difference Between Dental Inlays & Veneers

Dental inlays and veneers are both methods of repairing a tooth. But in fact, there are big differences between the two methods, and there are differences in materials, production methods and indications.

Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a treatment plan suitable for you. As one of the methods of tooth repair, a lot of patients have probably not heard of a dental inlay or a veneer, so what exactly are they? What’s the difference?

Dental Inlay

The difference between inlays and traditional dental fillings is that dental inlays are used only to fill in the space between the rounded edges of the tooth, at the center of its chewing surface. Dental inlays fill in a tooth that is too damaged to be considered for a filling but not severe enough for a crown. Once the decay has been removed, cleaned and disinfected a mold of the tooth will be taken to create the inlay. The inlay is essentially a filling to restore the tooth, once the inlay is complete it will put into place and cemented with few adjustments being made.

Veneers

a veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth, veneers protect the tooth's surface from damage. Repairing a tooth with a veneer requires a small amount of enamel to be removed before the composite or porcelain veneers can be fitted.  

Inlays vs. Veneers

1. Inlays are usually made of different shapes and are done according to different defects and damage of the tooth. Whereas porcelain veneers covers the surface of the tooth.

2. There is also a difference in materials, inlays can be made of metal or porcelain in comparison to veneers that usually only come in composite or porcelain.

3. Dental inlays are usually used to repair the occlusal surface of the teeth, while veneers are used to repair the surface of the teeth.

4. Porcelain inlays and porcelain veneers are usually custom made and then bonded to the tooth but composite resin veneers are usually directly repairable.