Inlays and Onlays

At The Dentist, our comprehensive range of dental restoration options includes inlays and onlays.

Inlays and onlays are used in a similar way to fillings and are designed to help repair teeth that have been damaged by decay, injury or wear and tear. Another way of thinking about them is as a more conservative alternative to a crown. Onlays, for example, can be bonded to the structure of the tooth without removing as much of the healthy tooth. This makes it a minimally-invasive alternative to a crown while still restoring full function, and promoting the long-term health of the tooth.

What’s the difference between an inlay and a filling?

Inlays perform the same function as a filling but are used on teeth with a larger surface area. This means they’re most often used on teeth at the back of the mouth – these are the teeth that we use for chewing. The treatment for an inlay is very similar to that of a filling, although we may require you to come in for more than one appointment.

What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

Unlike inlays and simple fillings, onlays repair the raised parts of the tooth that we often refer to as the ‘cusps’. With traditional onlays, they will be made at a dental laboratory and then fitted for you here at the practice. We also offer Cerec onlays, which can be made and fitted for you here at The Dentist in just one appointment.