Inlay, Onlay, Inlay Core: What Are The Differences

What’s this ? 

The Inlay is a prosthesis that will fit into the tooth to replace part of the tissue that has been removed, especially during the treatment of cavities . This part becomes embedded in the tooth without reconstituting a wall, only on the upper face of the tooth (masticatory part). Unlike an amalgam or a composite made directly in the chair, the Inlay designed by the prosthetist adapts perfectly to the tooth. It is used to replace fillings or composite resins. ” It is particularly recommended when the volume of the cavity to be restored is large, also making it possible to ensure a good seal at the interface between the reconstitution and the walls of the damaged tooth “, adds Dr. Christophe Lequart.

What composition? 

This Inlay can be made of metal, precious metal, composite (aesthetic resin) or even ceramic.

How is the pose going? 

The dentist cleans the decay and then prepares the cavity that will receive the Inlay. He then makes an impression. The prosthetist from this impression designs the prosthetic part which is perfectly adjusted to the shape of the tooth and to the contact with the teeth in antagonist. The part depending on the material chosen will be sealed or glued to the tooth by the dentist. ” Ceramic and composite remain the most aesthetic materials, specifies our expert, but gold is also very appreciated because its tightness and flexibility are remarkable. It is also 100% biocompatible since it does not cause allergy at all. like ceramics, for that matter “. 

Onlay 

What’s this ? 

The onlay is a restoration of a tooth that will include at least one side of the tooth. It is carried out when the volume of the destruction of the tooth by caries is important and it does not allow a live reconstruction by the dentist with a composite or an amalgam. 

The Onlay is an alternative to the crown, explains the dentist. ” We are doing more than before because today we want to preserve as much as possible the healthy dental tissues. Onlay can be performed on a living tooth as on a devitalized tooth, It allows to reconstitute the significant losses of volume due to a decay or a fracture of a wall of the tooth. It will also allow a better sealing of the restoration, the points of contact with the neighboring teeth more effective compared to a restoration carried out directly in the chair “.

What composition?

Just like the Inlay, the Onlay can be made of metal, precious metal, composite (aesthetic resin) or ceramic. 

How is the pose done?

The installation process is the same as for the Inlay. The dentist cleans the decay and then prepares the face (s) of the tooth that will / will receive the onlay. He then makes an impression. The prosthetist from this impression designs the prosthetic part which is perfectly adjusted to the shape of the tooth. The part depending on the material chosen will be sealed or glued to the tooth by the dentist.

And the Inlay Core (pivot)? 

What’s this ? 

The Inlay Core is a prosthetic false stump, also called a “pivot” . It is proposed in the event of significant destruction of the tooth and when the reconstitution of the tooth with usual materials is not possible. ” When there is only the root flush with the gum, or the residual walls of the tooth are too fragile, it is then necessary to reconstruct the emerging part of the tooth on which a crown will rest, describes the expert. stump is held by means of a post inserted in the root “.

How is the pose going? 

Beforehand, the tooth will have been devitalized. An impression of the post housing and the remaining part of the tooth is made by the dentist which allows the prosthetist to fabricate the false stump. The Inlay Core is sealed or glued depending on the material used. A new impression will be made by the dentist in order to create the future crown which will rest on this inlay-core.

In which cases to use them?

The three techniques are generally performed in adults and seniors because it is necessary to wait until the tooth is final. ” However, it is not excluded in certain cases to place an Inlay or Onlay in a child who would present a cavity on his first molar (called” the tooth of 6 years ” ) ” specifies Christophe Lequart. 

Rates and reimbursement? 

Social security reimbursements vary widely and depend on the material used, the technique chosen by the dentist and the reimbursement basket. This is why it is very important to request a quote from your dentist before any intervention. You can then submit this quote to your mutual insurance company, which will tell you the reimbursement rate for the medical act according to the contract you have signed with it.

Reimbursement of the Inlay

The Inlay does not fall under the 100% basket (Social security does not support this technique) but belongs to the free price basket and therefore depends on the practitioner’s fees (between 350 and 700 €). Check with your mutual. 

Onlay reimbursement 

If it reconstitutes at least 2 surfaces of the tooth using an encrusted material (composite or metal) it fits within the framework of the moderate basket. Health insurance has set a fee ceiling of € 350 from January 1, 2021 and a reimbursement base of € 100. 

If this same Onlay is made of ceramic or precious metal, it fits into the free basket. This means that there is no fee cap for the practitioner. The reimbursement base is still 100 € for the SS. 

Reimbursement of the Inlay Core

It can be part of the 3 care baskets. Depending on the location of the tooth and the type of crown that will be performed on this Inlay Core, there will be a differentiated reimbursement by the mutual. 

This cost is added to that of the crown for which the inlay-core is the support.

The fees for an inlay-core vary between 175 and 400 € depending on the care basket in which it is located, and it is reimbursed by social security on the basis of 175 €.