Inlays & Onlays

Inlays & Onlays Fitzroy

Why Might I Need an Inlay or Onlay?

Amalgam or tooth coloured composite resin fillings are ideal for repairing small to medium sized cavities in back teeth, but may lack the strength required for restoring larger areas of decay. This is why we may suggest an inlay or onlay that can be made from beautiful, strong porcelain, creating a restoration that will be virtually invisible once it is cemented into your tooth. By using an inlay or onlay, you will be restoring strength and structure to your tooth and porcelain restorations should last longer.

You might hear this sort of restoration being called an indirect filling and this is because it has to be custom-made in our dental laboratory using a detailed impression of your prepared tooth. While your inlay or onlay is being made, your tooth will be protected with a temporary filling.

Here at St Vincent’s Dental Centre, we only use excellent quality porcelains to make these restorations that are fabricated to the very highest standards so they seal out bacteria and offer maximum protection for your teeth. We accept nothing less than the best for our patients.

What Is the Difference between an Inlay and an Onlay?

An inlay is made to restore the central area of the chewing surface of a back tooth while an onlay is a bit larger and is designed to restore this central area and to replace any cusps that may have been destroyed. The cusps of the tooth are the raised points located on the inner and outer edges closest to your cheeks and to your tongue.