Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays Before and After

Onlays  and Inlays are two types of fillings which are used to repair a damaged tooth or to stop the spread of tooth decay. They  are different from standard fillings because they are a two appointment procedure (like a crown) because they are made in the dental laboratory.

One of the differences is that a direct filling requires one visit whereas an indirect filling, such as an inlay and onlay requires a two visits.

These types of fillings are an alternative to a cosmetic crown and are beneficial to individuals with a mild form of tooth decay. They choose to retain as much of the natural tooth as they can, and want a filling that will fit the colour of their other teeth.

Inlays and onlays are made from a  couple of  different materials.

There are two kinds of inlays and onlays:

  1. Ceramic inlays and onlays
  2. Composite inlays and onlays

What are inlays and onlays?

They are usually bigger than dental fillings; however, they are smaller than a crown.

An inlay is very similar to a filling, but it is positioned within the cusps of the chewing surface of the tooth.

Onlays on the other hand are bigger than inlays, covers a larger surface, and replaces cusps that have decayed.

An inlay and/or onlay can stay for up to 30 years which is considerably longer than a standard amalgam filling.