Inlays – in a single visit
An inlay is a filling that is made to measure outside the mouth and then permanently bonded into the tooth. Inlays are a good choice when decay or an old filling has damaged a tooth, but not so much that it needs a crown.
We make ceramic inlays here at our practice at Gärtnerplatz using the CEREC system. Preparing the tooth, making the inlay and fitting it can therefore all be done in one visit.
When is an inlay the right choice?
For smaller cavities, an ordinary filling is often perfectly adequate. Where the damage is more extensive – particularly on back teeth, which take a great deal of chewing force – an inlay is usually the sturdier, longer-lasting option. Typical reasons include:
- larger areas of decay
- replacing old amalgam or composite fillings
- teeth that need a sturdy restoration after root canal treatment
Ceramic inlays with CEREC – in one visit
With CEREC, we record the prepared tooth digitally using an intraoral camera. We then design your inlay on the computer, and it is milled from a block of ceramic right here at the practice. Once it has been finely finished and polished, we bond it permanently in place at the same appointment.
For you, this means no conventional impression, no temporary filling and no second appointment for fitting.
Choice of material
- Ceramic: tooth-coloured, metal-free and well tolerated. Ceramic can be matched so closely to the shade of your teeth that the inlay is barely distinguishable from the natural tooth.
- Gold: tried and tested over many years, particularly durable and kind to the surrounding tissue, though visible. Gold inlays are made in a dental laboratory and usually need two appointments.
We will be happy to discuss with you which material is best suited to your tooth.
The advantages of inlays
- a precise, tight fit, which lowers the risk of new decay at the edge of the filling
- sturdy, even under heavy chewing forces
- long-lasting with good care and regular check-ups
- gentle on the tooth, as usually less tooth needs to be removed than for a crown
Frequently asked questions about inlays
How long will an inlay last?
Inlays are very durable and, with good care and regular check-ups, can last for many years. How long exactly depends on factors such as the material, the size of the cavity and your oral hygiene.
Inlay or crown – what is the difference?
An inlay replaces part of the inside of the tooth, whereas a crown covers the whole visible tooth. If enough healthy tooth remains, an inlay is the more conservative option.
Will my health insurance cover the costs?
Statutory health insurance covers the cost of a standard filling; for an inlay, you pay the difference as a personal contribution. If you are privately insured, reimbursement depends on your policy. We will give you a cost plan before treatment begins.
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