Custom-made ceramic or composite repairs for teeth too damaged for a simple filling but not needing a full crown.
What it involves
An inlay fits within the cusps of a back tooth; an onlay covers one or more cusps. They are made to fit and then bonded, which allows them to repair a larger area than a direct filling while keeping more of the natural tooth than a crown would.
Who it suits
Suits back teeth with moderate damage where enough tooth remains and the walls are strong. If the tooth is very weak or cracked, a crown may be safer.
How it usually works
The old filling or decay is removed, the tooth is shaped and an impression or digital scan is taken. A temporary is placed, and the inlay or onlay is made in a lab or milled in the clinic. At the second visit it is tried in, adjusted and bonded.
Risks and things to consider
Preparing a tooth removes sound structure. The restoration can chip, debond or leak at the edges. Costs are usually higher than for a standard filling. Sensitivity is possible for a short time.
Questions to ask before you decide
Is an inlay or onlay really better than a filling or crown for this tooth? Which material is used? What happens if it comes loose?
General information, not medical advice. A dentist decides what suits you after examining you.