Tooth Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and Onlays are used when a cavity is large but the surrounding tooth is healthy.

An inlay sits in a hole in the tooth, whereas an outlay sits on it and builds up the shape of the tooth. They can either be made out of tooth-coloured porcelain, gold or composite. The material that is used will depend on where it is going to be fitted, as different materials are suitable for different parts of the teeth and mouth.

Inlays and onlays can be used instead of fillings and are both made outside the mouth. They are normally made in a dental laboratory and then glued to the tooth.

Before                              After Inlay

Before                              After Onlay

They usually require two visits, if not more. Following completion in the laboratory, the dentist applies the inlay within the contours of the tooth (or in the case of an onlay, over the specific surface of the tooth requiring protection). In some cases the dentist uses a crown to help support and protect the tooth and the inlays or onlays, especially ones made from porcelain.

Your dentist will normally perform this treatment under a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth. If necessary, your dentist will remove any old filling and any decayed or damaged tooth.

Inlays and Onlays are both strong and can last longer than fillings. Unlike white fillings, they are particularly suitable for the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are also good for large repairs to the front teeth, where it can be difficult to make a white filling look natural. Your dentist will be able to match the colour to your own teeth.