Inlays and onlays are an alternative restorative treatment to dental crowns and fillings, often applied to teeth at the back of the mouth that have suffered damage or decay. Inlays and onlays tend to be used when a filling is not quite enough to fix a tooth but they are also good for fractures. Inlays and onlays are usually made from porcelain these days and created in such a way to blend in with the natural color of the tooth to keep them discreet. Onlays generally cover the cusp of the tooth while inlays are used more to fill in the gap between cusps to strengthen damaged teeth against chewing. The decayed area of the tooth is first removed during the procedure. A mold of the tooth is then taken and sent to a dental lab. They create a restoration made from porcelain or a composite resin. The restoration takes about 2-3 weeks to make, so a temporary inlay or onlay will be placed on the tooth for that time. During your next visit, the inlay or onlay will be placed into your mouth and set with cement. Your tooth will look natural and you or anyone else won’t be able to tell the difference.

Inlays And Outlays Benefits

• Natural looking teeth
• Increased strength and durability