If you did not know, dentists refer to a dental onlay as a “partial crown.” Simply put, rather than covering a patient’s entire tooth, it covers only a portion of it. Used for cavities, as well as damaged teeth, this dental procedure works great. If you have a cracked tooth or even a cavity too large for a traditional filling, talk to your doctor to see if an onlay is right for you.
Of course, it is important for an individual to see a dentist who will determine the right course of action. Even then, most dental professionals want to include their patients in the decision-making process. During a consultation, a dentist will go over the pros and cons of both options. But here are some of the things to consider.
Patients should consider the convenience of getting a dental onlay as opposed to a crown. Usually, the onlay process requires two visits to a dental clinic. A dentist first fits the patient with a temporary onlay while having the permanent one made at a laboratory. When finished, the dental professional applies the onlay to the natural tooth.
Now, depending on the problem, it might take just one visit for a dental onlay. Also, if a dentist’s office has an on-site lab, there is no need to return for a second appointment. Especially for people with busy schedules, this helps tremendously. A patient can be in and out of the clinic in very little time.
In comparison, it can take two or more visits to get a crown. Like an onlay, a dentist must first take an impression of the patient’s tooth. That goes to a laboratory that makes it. If the crown does not fit correctly the first time, it would have to go back to the lab for some fine-tuning.
Something else to consider is the longevity of a dental onlay vs. a crown. Based on the quality of the material, a crown typically lasts around five to seven years. For a dental onlay, these usually last 10 years, sometimes longer. So overall, the onlay is a longer-lasting solution.
Any kind of dental work costs money. So, people consider different options. Ultimately, a patient spends less on a dental onlay than a crown. Not only are the materials less expensive, but there is a less complex process with an onlay. For people who need dental work done but have to be careful with money, an onlay makes more sense.
A reputable dentist is always going to do what is right for the patient. During a consultation, an individual can ask as many questions as they want and get all the details needed. As implied, a dental onlay only partially covers a tooth. That means a dentist does not have to alter a person’s natural tooth as much, which is a good thing.
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