We sometimes reach a point where there isn’t enough structure for the cusps such as when the damage is more severe, when a filling needs replacement or when cavities are larger; that happens, we need to use those indirect fillings. When the damage to the tooth is not so extensive that it will need a crown, those indirect fillings provide a very good solution. Indirect fillings increase tooth strength up to 75%.
The difference between an inlay and an onlay is that the inlays fit into the space remaining after the old filling or cavity has been removed and the onlays sit on the tooth and build up its shape, they cover the biting surface, extending out over one or more cusps of the tooth.
They can be made from different materials such as gold, but we use porcelain because it is a tooth colored material, keeping your smile more natural.

Advantages of inlays/onlays when compared to crowns

• Easy access
• Healthier gums
• Less tooth removed
• Bonded in place

How do I get an inlay/onlay?
It takes two appointments to restore your tooth with an inlay/onlay. We want it to be comfortable to you, so the first thing we do is make sure you are numb. Then we remove any decay of an old filling or cavity on the tooth with the handpiece. After the tooth is clean we take impressions to ensure proper fit and bite. We send those impressions to the lab and it usually takes two weeks for them to get it done. The inlay/onlay is custom-crafted in the laboratory to precisely fit your tooth. During those two weeks you’ll have a temporary filling covering your tooth.
On the second appointment we clean and polish the prepared tooth, if the fit is satisfactory we bond the inlay/onlay to the tooth with a strong resin. After that we check the bite then we polish to finish. The final result is a brand new tooth.