Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are a more conservative approach to tooth restoration than full crowns. They are used to repair teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay, or for cracked teeth where the damage does not warrant a full coverage crown. Porcelain, composite resin and sometimes gold are used to create inlays and onlays. Inlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material is limited to the center of the tooth and does not cover over the top of any of the tooth cusps.  While onlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material can extend further, covering one or more cusps of the tooth.

What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?

• Natural look: Porcelain and resin Inlays and onlays have a natural tooth color that makes them virtually invisible compared to metal fillings. 
• Minimal tooth structure removed: Inlays and onlays require the minimal removal of a tooth’s surface, helping to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring decayed or damaged areas. 
• Inlays and onlays may be able to be produced with the CEREC one appointment system.  Please see our section on advanced dental procedures for more information.

How it’s done
Typically, two visits are required for the placements of inlays and onlays. In the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a lab to create the permanent inlay or onlay. Before you leave, he will fit your tooth with a temporary inlay / onlay to keep the tooth protected between visits. During your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary protective material and fit your tooth with the permanent inlay or onlay received from the lab.