If you have a tooth that has been damaged by decay or has a crack or fracture, a traditional filling isn’t always the optimal solution. But if a filling won’t be adequate, and the damage isn’t extensive enough to require a full crown, what are your options? In these situations, a dental inlay or onlay can provide the ideal balance between strengthening and conserving your natural tooth. These custom restorations are designed to repair tooth damage while preserving as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible, helping restore both the function and appearance of your smile.
What Is a Dental Inlay?
An inlay is a custom-made dental restoration that fits within the grooves on the chewing surface of your tooth. Unlike a traditional filling (which is placed directly into the tooth and shaped during your appointment), an inlay is fabricated outside your mouth using impressions or digital scans. It is then permanently bonded into place for a highly accurate fit.
Inlays are commonly recommended when a cavity or damaged area is too large for a filling but does not involve the tooth’s cusps, or pointed chewing surfaces.
What Is a Dental Onlay?
A dental onlay is similar to an inlay but covers one or more of your tooth’s cusps in addition to the chewing surface. Because it restores a larger portion of the tooth, an onlay is often used when damage extends beyond what an inlay can repair but still does not require a full crown.
Onlays are sometimes referred to as “partial crowns” because they strengthen weakened teeth while preserving more natural enamel than a traditional crown.
When Are Inlays and Onlays Used?
Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay if you have:
- Moderate tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A large, worn-out filling that needs replacement
- Damage caused by grinding or normal wear
- A tooth that needs additional strength without full crown coverage
Because they are custom crafted from durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin, inlays and onlays blend naturally with your smile while providing long-lasting protection. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, these restorations can help preserve your natural teeth for many years.
Restore Your Smile With a Dental Onlay or Inlay
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, the best way to determine whether you need a dental onlay or inlay is to schedule an appointment with your dentist, and take the first step toward restoring and protecting your smile.
