Dental Crowns vs. Inlays and Onlays
Edmonds, WA
Crowns and Inlays and onlays are different kinds of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic dentistry is used to fix the appearance and function of teeth that are damaged or infected.
Both crowns and inlays and onlays are made of strong material and used to strengthen or repair damaged teeth. Here is an overview of both the procedures along with a quick comparison to help you choose the option that is right for you.
Dental Crowns
 Dental crowns can fix teeth that are damaged due to injury, accident, cavities, or decay. They are also used to finish the processes of root canal and dental implants. There are many benefits of dental crowns.
A crown acts as a cap that is fixed over the surface of your tooth and can be seen over the gum line. When you chew or bite, crowns help distribute the biting force over the whole surface of your teeth. With a dental crown, you no longer have to worry about weakened enamel breaking off due to overuse.
Inlays and Onlays
 Inlays and onlays are dental procedures used to repair and strengthen a damaged or decayed tooth. They are a more non-invasive method as compared to dental crowns as they do not require removing healthy tooth structure.
In the case of a damaged or infected tooth, your dentist will conduct an oral examination to determine whether an inlay or onlay is suitable for you. An inlay is placed into the grooves inside the cusps of your teeth, while an onlay is fixed within the grooves but also covers the cusps to protect a larger amount of tooth surface.
Dental Crowns Vs. Inlays and Onlays: Which Procedure is Better?
With rapid advancement in dentistry, there are many treatment options available for your dental needs. By learning more about these dental procedures, you will be able to figure out which one would be more suitable for your particular condition.
A crown can cap your damaged tooth and repair it without the need for extraction. A crown is an effective solution for fractured, chipped, damaged or worn down teeth. They can last for 5-15 years, depending on their quality.
Inlays and onlays are used to restore your teeth when tooth health is relatively better. They are similar to dental fillings, but made from more durable material. Inlays are used to fill in the grooves in the teeth, while onlays cover the cusp.
Like crowns, inlays and onlays also resemble your natural tooth color, making them virtually unnoticeable. The only disadvantage of inlays and onlays is that they do not cover the tooth in its entirety, making it possible for further damage to occur.
However, inlays and onlays are a conservative procedure and do not require any loss of healthy tooth material. On the other hand, during crown placement a tooth may need to be shaved down. Inlays and onlays may be a better option when damage to the tooth is only slight, and substantial healthy tooth structure still remains.
Crowns, inlays, and onlays are all used to repair tooth damage, restore bite force, and improve your smile. If you have a damaged or infected tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Perrinville Family Dentistry by calling us at (425) 616-0620 today.
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(425) 616-0620 
Gary J. Jacky, DMD