Inlays/Onlays

Used to fix mild to moderate decay in your back teeth, inlays and onlays are accurate, durable repairs and tend to require less tooth removal than traditional fillings. The difference between the two repairs: An inlay is a smaller restoration than an onlay.

To create an inlay or onlay, the dentist takes an impression of your damaged tooth and a small porcelain restoration piece is created. The inlay or onlay is then cemented onto the tooth.

The Benefits: Because inlays and onlays are “matched” to your tooth, there is almost no space between the tooth and the repair piece. This reduces the chance of future decay even more than with traditional fillings. They also tend to require less drilling so more of your original tooth is retained.

Additional Details: Inlays and onlays tend to be more costly than regular fillings, but they also tend to be more durable.