Dental inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings, or partial crowns.
Tooth-coloured porcelain or composite resin restorations are used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay, or fractured teeth that are not sufficiently damaged enough to need a crown.
Why use inlays and onlays?
Your dentist may prescribe an inlay or onlay if you have too much decay or damage to your tooth structure for a filling but have enough healthy tooth remaining to avoid a crown. Inlays and onlays also preserve more of your natural tooth
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
A prefabricated inlay fills the cavity of the tooth up to the top edges or cusps. An onlay is slightly larger than an inlay and overlaps one or more of the cusps.
How are inlays and onlays applied?
Your dentist will remove the decayed area of the tooth and then take an impression of your tooth to create the inlay or onlays. Once it is ready, they will bond the restoration to your tooth.
How do I care for my inlays or onlays?
You care for inlays and onlays as you would any other tooth, by brushing and flossing twice daily and having regular professional cleaning.
Back to Treatments
