Crowns and Onlays are dental restorations used to treat a single tooth. They are made especially for large areas of decay that can't be fixed with fillings or inlays. The main difference is that an onlay covers the tooth cusp while an inlay only fills parts of the cusps.Crowns cover the entire biting surface of the tooth, including the part of the tooth above the gum line.When people have the choice, most people choose to get dental onlays. Still, your dentist may need more time to put in an onlay than a crown. Both of the dental restorations are excellent choice.
How Long Does An Onlay Or Crown Last?
Onlay doesn't have a life span, but most will last about ten years. On the other hand, dental crowns can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on how well they are made and cared for. How long these two repairs last depends significantly on how well you care for your teeth.To get the most out of your onlays and crowns, don't do things that put too much pressure on your teeth or shorten the life of your appliance.Also, remember that the teeth below your crown or onlay must stay healthy and strong. If the tooth decays, again and again, the appliance may need to be taken out and replaced with a different type of restoration. Your restoration can worsen over time, and some habits can speed up the process. Your crown or onlay could get hurt by:
Grind or clench on your teeth
Biting your nails
Chewing on hard things like ice over and over
Accidents or trauma
How Is A Crown Different From An Onlay?
Fillings can fix small cavities and damage to teeth. But sometimes, the damage and cavities are too extensive for a filling. In this case, to fix the tooth, you might need a crown or an onlay. Onlays fix the damage on the cusp, the raised part of a tooth's surface. These are made of porcelain or gold and only cover the part of the tooth that is broken.If you have a tooth that is badly broken or decayed, you may need a crown that goes over the whole tooth. Crowns can fix teeth that are badly broken or worn down. Covering the whole tooth can stop the tooth from getting worse and may even save it. Crowns for teeth can also be made of porcelain or gold.
Pros And Cons Of A Crown And An Onlay
Whether you get a crown or an onlay depends on how bad the damage is and how healthy your teeth are. But it's essential to know both restorative treatments' pros and cons before deciding which one to use.
Pros of a Dental Crown:
Durable material (similar to onlay).
Fixes fillings that are big or worn down.
Protects a tooth that is already broken or decaying from getting worse.
A more conservative procedure leaves more of your tooth structure intact and requires less work to get ready.
Less expensive than a crown.
Other Things That Affect How Long You Live
Poor hygiene
Even though the materials used for onlays and crowns can't get cavities, the tooth beneath them can. If bacteria and plaque get underneath the filling, a hole can form. If this happens, your dentist might have to take out the filling to treat the tooth.
Design Or Fit That Isn't Very Good
Poorly made restorations tend to break quickly, which is why your dentist will take their time making a mold of your teeth and looking at them. The dentist will make sure that the replacement fits snugly on your teeth. If the bite force isn't evenly spread across the dental arch, the crown or onlay will be damaged in a way that can't be fixed.
Aesthetics
The metal base is still there when porcelain is fused to metal to make crowns or Onlays. Over time, the metal might start to show through, making the color darker. Choose a restoration made from porcelain or zirconia to make the crown or onlay last longer and look better.
Should You Get Crowns Or Onlays?
Ultimately, your dentist will look at your teeth and tell you the best choice. The amount of decay will be the most crucial factor.
How Long Does A Crown Or An Onlay Stay In Your Mouth?
Crowns and Onlays for teeth are made to last for 5 to 15 years on average.But certain things could shorten their lives, such as:
You clench your teeth
Biting your nails
If you chew on hard or sticky things, you could hurt your tooth or the surrounding area.
These things can cause the material to break, crack, or chip, which means it will need to be fixed or replaced soon.
The Main Points
If you don't treat tooth decay, it can worsen and threaten your tooth's health. To protect your teeth, you should brush and floss daily and visit the dentist every six months. Also, see a dentist if you have pain or discomfort between dental visits or after a dental procedure. If you want to find out more about onlays and crowns or make an appointment, please call our office.
