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Normal fillings
In prosthodontic practice, normal fillings are part of an overall treatment plan. They are usually made from composite resin, a very aesthetic tooth-coloured material placed directly in the tooth to ensure a long lasting bond in a single appointment. Composite resin restorations usually take a lot longer to place than their silver amalgams.
Where teeth have been badly worn down, direct fillings can be used. Even with excellent operator skill, the final contours of these very large restorations are never as good as those made in a laboratory. However, this form of treatment can be an excellent and cost-effective medium-term solution.
Inlays
Ceramic or composite resin inlays/onlays can be made in a laboratory and are used in situations where the cavity is either too large for direct filling, or where ideal contour and aesthetics are required . They are usually chosen because they involve different tooth reduction compared to crowns.
At the first appointment, a cavity is prepared, an impression taken, and some form of provisional restoration placed. A few weeks later, the provisional restoration is removed and the inlay/onlay is bonded into the tooth. They are called inlays when they fill a cavity and onlays when they extend outside the cavity to cover over the top of part or the entire prepared tooth. Often they are a combination of the two. |
