Inlays and Onlays

An alternative to large fillings and crowns, dental inlays and onlays offer a secure, customized and durable solution to restoring a damaged tooth. Inlays and onlays are used to cover a minimal to moderate damaged area on a single tooth. Also referred to as “indirect fillings”, inlays and onlays are usually made of hard, composite material custom fit to fill larger cavities, or significantly diminished tooth structure. The resin is long-lasting and looks natural. They are designed to match adjacent teeth and will restore dental function, including the integrity of the bite. 

What are Inlays?

Dental inlays are most similar to traditional fillings. An inlay fits inside the center of the tooth and securely seals the affected area, which minimizes any recurrence of decay. It can be made from various materials, including gold, porcelain and composite resin which all offer strength and durability. Customized to precisely follow the tooth’s natural shape, inlays help patients recover their dental function.

An inlay is considered a conservative approach to repairing a damaged tooth. The dentist will only remove what is necessary for improved oral health. This process will save you time and money and they typically last longer than traditional crowns.

Dental Onlays

Dental onlays cover a more extensive area of the tooth that will include one or more cusps and include the sides of the tooth. Onlays provide a protective cover for a larger section of the tooth without having to remove healthy portions. Treatment is very conservative and usually allows the dentist to save as much of the original tooth as possible.  

As with a dental inlay, an onlay is custom designed to fit the natural shape of the damaged tooth using a composite resin or a solid material such as gold or porcelain. Gold is often used for its strength and composite materials increasingly demonstrate they too can last for a long time and provide a comparable option.   

Advanced dental technologies have increased the longevity of onlays by providing the ability to create an exact replica of the missing dentition. The ideal fit returns a healthy bite with aesthetic looks.

If you would like to know more about inlays or onlays or learn about other conservative dental methods, contact Dr. Kosmas Kasimatis of Somerset, NJ.