When we get dental treatment, we’re usually looking for a “just right” solution. We want something that solves our problem without requiring too much discomfort, recovery time, or expense. If you have a cavity that’s too big for a filling but doesn’t warrant a crown, you might be a good candidate for a dental overlay. But all the terminology can get confusing. What is a dental overlay, and how does it compare with fillings, crowns and other restorations?
A dental overlay is a restorative treatment that covers and repairs a tooth that has been damaged by injury or decay. It occupies a much-needed middle ground between a filling and a crown. Unlike a filling, an overlay covers a significant amount of your tooth’s surface, including the pointed cusps poking up from your molars. A crown usually covers more of your tooth (beyond just the surface), and your dentist has to file down your existing tooth to put the crown in place. An overlay is a less invasive alternative that your dentist may refer to as a partial crown. It protects and strengthens your tooth while still preserving its natural structure. That’s why it’s considered a more conservative restoration than a crown.
Like a crown, an overlay involves taking an impression with tooth putty or a digital scan and creating the overlay in an outside lab or with CAD/CAM technology. Then your dentist fits and bonds the overlay to your tooth. A ceramic overlay restores appearance and offers protection and durability. You can care for your overlay by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups.
When it comes to dental restorations, there’s quite a bit of nuance in the terminology we use. What it often comes down to is this: how much of your tooth does the restoration cover? An overlay covers most or all of the tooth surface, while an onlay covers a smaller portion of the surface. One significant difference is that an overlay covers the cusps, the pointed or rounded parts of the chewing area of your tooth, creating broader coverage without the invasive aspects of a crown.
Bonding is a terrific solution for small chips, gaps and cosmetic fixes. Your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin directly to the surface of your tooth, with no molds or external prosthetics involved. An overlay involves a custom-made restoration created in a lab that your dentist bonds to your tooth. It works well for molars and does an excellent job of strengthening weakened or damaged tooth structure. Bonding is faster and less expensive, but not as long-lasting, while an overlay provides extra protection and durability for larger structural repairs.
Your dentist may recommend an overlay if you have large cavities that can’t be fixed with a filling alone. It can also strengthen and cover teeth weakened by cracks or worn down by grinding. It’s also a good solution when you need to replace a filling but want to avoid replacing the whole tooth structure with a crown.
Patients choose overlays due to the combination of appearance, function, protection, and cost savings.
If you need more than a filling but don’t want the cost and invasiveness of a crown, an overlay can be an excellent solution. It’s a highly effective yet conservative treatment that balances strength, durability and a natural appearance. Overlays are just one of many restorations we offer at Greenhill Family Dental Care. We recognize that every patient’s needs are unique and involve multiple factors, including cosmetic considerations and cost. Let’s talk and find the best solution for your smile.
