Inlays and onlays, used to treat tooth decay, are often viewed as a conservative alternative to traditional dental crowns. Designed to preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible, inlays and onlays are placed directly over the damaged portion of the tooth. Since they are custom-tailored to a patient’s teeth, most people find them easier to clean than a crown. These dental restorations are considered beneficial from both a functional and aesthetic point of view.
Inlays are designed to be bonded with the center of a patient’s tooth. Onlays, on the other hand, are utilized on damaged areas that include at least one of the tooth’s cusps (points) or the full biting surface. Both are customized to the patient and fabricated in a dental lab.
Inlays and onlays are applied over two visits. At the first visit, the dentist will prepare the damaged tooth and create a molded impression that is sent to the dental lab. He or she can also provide a temporary restoration to protect the damaged tooth. At a second visit, the inlay or onlay is placed. The dentist will ensure that it is a good fit and the patient’s bite is acceptable. The inlay or onlay is then bonded to the tooth and polished so that it matches the patient’s surrounding teeth.