When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn't yet need a full crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. These custom-made restorations are crafted to fit precisely into or onto the tooth, restoring its strength, structure, and appearance.
Inlays and onlays are known as indirect fillings - made outside the mouth and then bonded into place. An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth's chewing surface, while an onlay extends over one or more of the cusps, covering a larger area. Both offer a durable, natural-looking solution that holds up better than a traditional filling.
We typically recommend an inlay or onlay when a cavity is too large for a regular filling, when a tooth has moderate decay or damage, or when the tooth is at the back of the mouth where biting pressure is greatest. For more severely compromised teeth, a full crown may be the better option.
Our inlays and onlays are made from high-quality materials such as porcelain, resin, or gold, with porcelain and resin being especially popular for their natural, tooth-like appearance. Book a consultation if you think an inlay or onlay might be right for you.
