Inlays & Onlays

When cavities are too large for a standard filling but do not require a full crown, an inlay or onlay may be the right restorative fit. The two differ based on where the damage is located on the tooth. Inlays address decay confined to the grooves and pits within the biting surface of the tooth. Onlays extend over the tooth cusps when additional structure needs to be covered. Both are used to restore areas where decay has compromised the tooth and can be made from cast gold alloy or tooth-colored ceramic and porcelain materials. Before fabrication, a model of the natural tooth is created so the restoration replicates the original shape and function precisely. Each inlay or onlay is verified for fit before being bonded into place, making for an extremely durable long-term result.