Understanding Inlays & Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays offer an excellent alternative to "direct" amalgam or composite fillings for restoring teeth that have sustained damage but do not require a full crown. Unlike "direct" fillings, which are placed immediately after tooth preparation, inlays and onlays are considered "indirect" fillings, as they are fabricated outside the mouth before being bonded or cemented into place.

Today's dental inlays and onlays are typically custom-made from high-grade dental porcelain or composite resins, providing a cosmetically pleasing match to the natural tooth color. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, inlays and onlays are more durable than traditional fillings, preserve more tooth structure, and strengthen the tooth to bear up to 50–75% more chewing forces.

The key difference between inlays and onlays lies in the area of coverage. Inlays are used when the restoration does not require coverage of any cusp tips and fill smaller areas of damage or decay. Onlays are used when the restoration covers a larger area, including one or more cusp tips on the tooth's chewing surface.

Both inlays and onlays are fabricated based on precise specifications from impressions of the prepared tooth. The final restoration is custom-made either in a dental laboratory or in-office using same-day systems. This precise fabrication process ensures an excellent fit and optimal function.

Inlays and onlays are an excellent choice for patients seeking durable, natural-looking, and minimally invasive restorations that effectively strengthen and protect their teeth while maintaining optimal oral health.