How does an Inlay differ from a composite filling?
Inlays are a superior product when compared to a composite filling. Inlays are lab processed, which makes them stronger and when bonded into the tooth gives you a better fitting restoration that will last longer than a filling. Because of this, Inlays also cost significantly more that routine fillings. Inlays are, most of the time, constructed in a laboratory and then cemented into your tooth at a second appointment. A dentist can construct an inlay in his own in-office lab, but this takes special equipment, so most dentists choose to send the inlay to an outside laboratory. The composite filling is placed directly into the tooth at the first appointment. You can tell if you’re only getting a filling , and NOT an inlay, if the dentist does NOT take an impression of the opening he has made in your tooth, but simply places the filling after he prepares (grinds) the tooth. Without this impression he cannot fabricate an inlay! Beware of those who place routine fillings and call them Inlays
