Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are restorations methods for teeth that have moderate damage or decay. They are more involved than a standard dental filling, but they are not as extensive as a full dental crown. Both inlays and onlays leave teeth strong and sturdy with their original structure and integrity remaining intact. The dental care experts at Axiom Dentistry take great pride in providing patients with inlays and onlays that offer outstanding functionality, while still looking natural.

Inlays

Inlays are usually provided when a tooth is damaged in such a way that it cannot be properly fixed with a regular dental filling, but a full dental crown is not necessary. Inlays are applied to a tooth’s chewing surface but do not cover any of the cusps of the tooth. Instead, an inlay will only occupy the space inside these points. Teeth that have been restored with inlays are typically stronger than teeth that have been repaired with fillings.

Onlays

An onlay is different from an inlay in that an onlay will cover one or more of the cusps of a tooth. An onlay is usually bonded directly to these points. In some cases, an onlay will be used to cover the entire chewing surface of a tooth. Onlays are most commonly provided when a tooth cannot be repaired with a dental filling, but a complete dental crown is not needed. Teeth that have received onlays are strong and durable, and they should remain intact for life with proper care.