Composite inlay / onlay
Like any other inlays, composite inlays are made after an impression taken from the tooth to be treated. An advantage of composite inlays compared to the esthetic fillings is that they provide a proper border seal. The inlay or onlay is cemented in the cavity by a special glue. Composite inlays are an option in the case of a heavily injured tooth that can not be restored by esthetic filling. When talking about esthetic fillings fabricated directly in the surgery, it’s important to mention that the filling material slightly shrinks due to the effect of UV light, thus leaving a virtual space that is open to bacterial infections between the tooth and the filling. A disadvantage of composite resin materials is that they can get discoloured because of colouring additives from food in 3-4 years.
Apart from the above mentioned fact that- unlike porcelain inlays- composite inlays provide a proper border seal, they are gentle and do not wear down nearby or opposite teeth. Furthermore, polishing following the correction is also easier. As for their esthetic effect, they closely match that of a porcelain inlay.
Advantages of composite inlays:- excellent esthetic result
- proper fit, more accurate restoration
- easy to work with, easy to polish
- soft, gentle to the nearby teeth
- can easily be adjusted in the oral cavity
Disadvantages of composite inlays:
- no proof for their durability
- they stain more readily than porcelain
