Dental Inlays & Onlays

What are inlays and onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair teeth that are decayed or damaged. Inlays and onlays are similar to dental fillings in that they replace only the damaged portion of the tooth; however, rather than being shaped directly on the tooth, inlays and onlays are custom made separately in a dental laboratory. Dental inlays and onlays are created from molds and impressions of your teeth to ensure that they fit comfortably and effectively. While inlays and onlays can be created from a number of materials, including gold, many patients choose porcelain restorations for a more natural-looking result. If you choose a porcelain dental onlay or inlay, our dentist will match it to your natural tooth color for an aesthetic effect.

Do I need a dental inlay or onlay?

Dr. Dinh may recommend an inlay or onlay if a tooth is damaged past what a filling can repair, yet the damage is not serious enough to require a dental crown. An inlay differs from an onlay in that an inlay is used when the damage is contained within the cusps (raised points) of the tooth; an onlay is used when one or more of the cusps are damaged as well. To learn whether a dental inlay or onlay is right for your smile, we invite you to contact us today.