Inlay, Onlay

If the tooth is decayed in a larger area but a crown is not quite necessary, we suggest the use of an inlay or onlay.

What is inlay/onlay?

An inlay/onlay insert is a larger filling that fits perfectly into the tooth and  created by a dental technician. The dentist prepares and shapes the hole in the tooth, then creates a mold based on which the insert is created in a dental technician laboratory. This insert is glued in by the dentist with a special glue.

While inadequate filling materials shrink and thus make larger fillings harder to seal properly, the inlay can seal the gap with microscopic precision.

What is the difference between inlay and onlay?

Inlays are used to cover large areas of surface-level decay, while onlays are used when the tooth tips are involved as well.

What material are they made from?

• porcelain
• reinforced composite (Gradia)
• gold

Inlays/onlays offer aesthetically pleasing results and their durability is many times better than traditional fillings.