Inlays and Onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are similar to composites or tooth colored fillings except that they are made in a dental laboratory.

The Problem

The Solution

The Procedure

Advantages

Disadvantages

Alternatives

The Problem:

Damage of ½ or more of the tooth biting surface
Replace an old filling especially when tooth is weak
Try to preserve a larger amount of healthy tooth structure
Need to strengthen and reinforce tooth

The Solution:

There are two types of indirect fillings- inlays and onlays. An inlay fits into the prepared space left after a cavity or old filling has been removed. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. Inlays and onlays can be made in tooth-colored porcelain, gold or composite. Different materials are better for different parts of the mouth and teeth.

The Procedure:

Decay and/or old filling material is removed and cleaned from the tooth and an impression or mold is made of the prepared surface. This model of the tooth is then sent to a dental laboratory that will create an inlay or onlay. The inlay or onlay is then bonded into the tooth with a strong bonding resin, and polished smooth.

Advantages:

Inlays and onlays can actually increase the strength of the tooth by up to 75% compared to fillings that can reduce the strength of the tooth by up to 50%. Since inlays and onlays are created in a lab, they are capable of being made much stronger than typical fillings, more durable and far out-last them.

They are also more conservative than crowns due to the fact that less tooth structure is removed in preparation of inlays and onlays.

They are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth and large repairs for front teeth where it can be difficult to make a white filling look natural.

Disadvantages:

Due to the fact that they are crafted in a laboratory, inlays and onlays are more expensive than regular fillings.

Alternatives:

In cases of extensive decay, crowns are the only alternative.