Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are two types of restorations that your Dentist can suggest if you have a cavity in your tooth that needs to be filled. An inlay is a small filling that fits into the biting surface of a tooth while an onlay covers a larger area of the tooth and is better suited to bigger cavities. For many years, gold has been used to make inlays and onlays because it is a hard material and lasts for a long time. Nowadays, tooth-coloured porcelain is also used and gives the restored tooth a more natural look, which many patients prefer.

Inlays and onlays are made in a dental laboratory by a technician. While these are being made you will have a temporary filling in place. When your inlay or onlay is ready your Dentist will cement it into place using a special adhesive, after removing the temporary filling.