Inlays and Onlays

Indirect restorations are more durable than fillings and are sometimes a better option for larger cavities.

An inlay is a compact filling that fits into a tooth’s biting surface, whereas an onlay covers a broader region of the tooth and is better suited to larger cavities. Usually, an onlay is used when one or more cusps of the tooth are compromised.

Gold has been used to construct Inlays and Onlays for many years since it is a durable material that lasts a long time. Nowadays, tooth-coloured porcelain or composite is also employed, which offers the repaired tooth a more natural appearance that many patients prefer.

In what ways are indirect fillings different from direct fillings?

Inlays and Onlays, for example, are still types of fillings. Nonetheless, they are recognised as indirect fillers. Indirect fillings are created in a dental laboratory. They should be placed throughout two visits, whereas direct fillings are applied straight into the tooth in a single appointment.

The two types of indirect fillings are inlays and Onlays. Inlays, like fillings, reside within the cusps (bumps) on the tooth’s chewing surface. Onlays are more substantial than Inlays and can cover one or more cusps. Onlays are sometimes known as partial crowns.

Why have an inlay or onlay?

An indirect filling is used when there isn’t enough dental structure to support a filling, but your tooth isn’t so seriously injured that a crown is necessary. An onlay, like a crown, covers the cusps of the tooth. They need less preparation of natural teeth than crowns and are a more conservative choice that we will always explore for you.

Inlays and Onlays are more resilient than standard fillings and can last much longer. They are constructed of porcelain, gold, or composite resin that is tooth-coloured.