Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are used to provide support for back teeth that have been moderately damaged by trauma or decay.

They can also be used to replace old silver fillings.

At The Walden Dental Clinic your dentist may opt for an inlay or onlay if they feel your tooth could use some additional support but is not damaged enough to require a crown.

Made from resin, gold or porcelain each restoration is made individually to suit the shape of your natural tooth. Many people opt for porcelain inlays or onlays as they are practically invisible and colour-matched to your teeth.

An inlay is bonded into place and sits within the cusps of a tooth, similar to a filling. An onlay, gives slightly more protection as it is bonded over a tooth’s cusp, providing more extensive coverage.

There are various benefits to this form of restorative treatment, including protecting a damaged tooth, helping to reduce sensitivity, replacing old silver fillings for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

An added benefit is that unlike crowns, less preparatory work needs to be done to the affected tooth so you are left with more of your natural tooth in place.