Inlays and Onlays

Patients can often benefit from a dental inlay or onlay, also known as “indirect fillings”. These represent more conservative versions of a crown, which replace lost tooth structure while simultaneously strengthening a tooth in a way that you can’t expect from a common filling.

An inlay is an indirect filling that replaces material within the cusp tips of a tooth. An outlay is more extensive than this, where the entire chewing surface of the tooth needs to be replaced. Regardless of which one is being used, the procedure is largely the same. Less tooth material needs to be removed, compared to crowns and fillings, and the final result lasts longer and holds stronger than most other restorative dental procedures. Talk to your dentist to see if you might be a candidate for an inlay or onlay.