Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are bespoke fillings made in a specialised dental laboratory by skilled dental technicians. Inlays and Onlays are used as a more conservative treatment for restoring teeth when the natural tooth structure can no longer support a traditional filling.

The difference between an inlay and an onlay

Inlays and onlays provide the same function but there are slight differences in the way in which they are applied;

• an inlay is made to sit inside the tooth cavity – between the cusps of the tooth.
• an onlay is bonded to the tooth on the biting surface and usually includes one or more cusps.

The majority of inlays/onlays are made from composite resin or porcelain and can come in multiple shades to match your natural teeth. Your dentist will consult with you about what materials and shades are being used to create your restoration.

Whilst white fillings are also a way of restoring cavities, they are more suited to more minor restorations. An inlay/onlay is better suited to more complicated cases which require precision filling. They are made in a dental laboratory, and the accuracy of their design reduces the likelihood of wear and shrinkage that can be associated with large white fillings.