Inlays and onlays are used to restore damaged or decayed teeth. They are typically used on the back teeth and are the midway treatment between a filling and a crown.
What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Inlays rest between the cusps (or corners) of a tooth, while onlays are slightly larger and overlap a tooth’s cusps. These restorations are chosen when a tooth requires a large filling yet is not damaged enough to need a dental crown.
What are inlays and onlays made from?
Inlays and onlays are primarily made from porcelain, composite resin or gold. The first two materials can be colour-matched to your existing teeth, making a good choice for a natural looking result.
How are inlays and onlays provided?
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the affected area and your dentist will remove any decay, damage or an old filling. An impression will then be taken of the damaged tooth so that our dental laboratory can build your inlay or onlay. In the interim, a temporary restoration will be put in place to protect the affected tooth until the next appointment.
Once your restoration has been built by the laboratory, the next stage of treatment entails the inlay or onlay being bonded to the affected tooth using a special dental adhesive. Your dentist will then polish the restoration to ensure that the final result is smooth and aesthetically pleasing.