What are Dental Inlays’ and Onlays’ ?

 

Dental inlays and dental onlays sit ‘in’ or ‘on’ a tooth and are a more conservative restorative solution than a dental crown as only a minimal amount of tooth structure needs to be removed.

 

We can easily repair small and medium-sized cavities using beautiful coloured composite tooth fillings in Woombye, but this material is not strong enough to repair larger areas of decay. If you have quite a large cavity in a back tooth, we will most likely suggest you have an inlay or onlay. These are made from porcelain and are longer-lasting than composite and are extremely strong. By using this type of restoration, we can restore strength and structure to your tooth so you will be able to chew without fear of fracturing the tooth. These restorations are custom-made in our dental laboratory so treatment will take a bit longer.

These restoratives are quite durable and are typically made from porcelain, composite resin or gold. Inlays and onlays are created to match your tooth colour and give you an aesthetically pleasing smile. In some cases, inlays and onlays may even be used to fill cavities.

 

What is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

An inlay will restore the middle part of a back tooth, but an onlay repairs a larger area that will include one or more cusps. These are the raised points you can see on the inner and outer edges of back teeth, closest to your cheeks and tongue.

Following a comprehensive examination, the iSmile Dental Team will advise if an inlay or onlay is the most appropriate restorative treatment.