A highly dependable restoration for a damaged tooth
Most people need a filling at some point. Ordinary fillings protect the tooth well, but a larger cavity may need more support, while still not needing a full crown. Inlays and onlays are the in-between solution, combining strength with a natural look.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays restore a tooth after a cavity or other damage. Unlike fillings, which are packed into the tooth, they are made to fit your tooth precisely and then cemented in or on it.
What is the difference?
An inlay fits within the cusps, the raised points, of the tooth. An onlay covers one or more cusps, so it is larger. Your dentist examines your tooth to decide which one you need.
Benefits of inlays and onlays
- Do not tend to discolour over time
- Preserve more healthy tooth structure than a crown
- Precise fit that seals out bacteria
- Can strengthen a damaged tooth
- Protect weak areas of the tooth
- Easier to clean around than a crown
What is the process like?
Your dentist first removes the decay and shapes the tooth. A direct inlay or onlay is made in our office from composite resin, hardened and placed the same day. An indirect inlay or onlay is made in a lab from an impression of your tooth. You wear a temporary filling until it is ready, and at your second visit your dentist checks the fit and cements it in place.
