Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair back teeth affected by decay or damage. They are fabricated in a dental lab and then precisely bonded to your tooth, offering a strong and long-lasting solution. These restorations are a middle ground between a simple filling and a full dental crown.

An inlay fits within the cusps, or bumps, on the chewing surface of your tooth. It’s used when the damage is contained within these areas. An onlay, on the other hand, is a more extensive restoration that covers one or more of the tooth cusps, extending over the chewing surface. Both are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and function.

Inlays and onlays offer several advantages for restoring damaged teeth. They are known for their exceptional durability and precise fit, which helps protect the tooth from further decay and strengthens its structure. Because they are custom-made, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

These restorations are often recommended for patients with moderate tooth decay or damage that is too significant for a traditional filling but not severe enough to require a full dental crown. If a tooth has a large cavity or a fracture that doesn’t compromise the entire tooth structure, an inlay or onlay can be an excellent choice to preserve as much healthy tooth as possible.