Inlays/Onlays

When over 1/2 of the tooth’s biting surface is damaged a dentist will often use an inlay or onlay.

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin. These pieces are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a filling, is used inside the cusp tips of the tooth; an onlay is a more substantial reconstruction, similar to the inlay but extending out over one or more of the cusps of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. In recent years, however, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its esthetics, which can potentially match the natural color of your teeth.

How are they applied?

Inlays and onlays require two appointments to complete the procedure. During the first visit, which takes about 1 hour, the filling being replaced or the damaged or decaying area of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is prepared for the inlay/onlay. To ensure proper fit and bite, an impression of the tooth is taken, and sent to a lab for fabrication of the restoration. We will then place a temporary inlay/onlay on the tooth and a second appointment is scheduled approximately 2 weeks later.

At the second appointment, the temporary inlay/onlay is removed. We will then make sure that the inlay/onlay fits correctly. If the fit is satisfactory, the inlay/onlay will be bonded to the tooth with a strong resin cement and polished to a smooth finish. Finally the bite is adjusted so your teeth fit together perfectly.

Considerations

Traditional silver fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50%. As an alternative, inlays and onlays, being bonded directly onto the tooth using special high-strength resins, can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. As a result, they can last from 10 to 20 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire crown, onlays can provide a very good alternative.