To repair damage to the tooth’s biting surface, rather than using a simple filling, or crown, a dentist will often use an inlay or an onlay. They are generally made in tooth-colored porcelain but are also made in gold or composite materials. Inlays and Onlays are aesthetically pleasing as they can be made to match the tooth color and as such, don't draw attention. They are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful, long lasting smile.

Inlays are similar to a filling and lies inside the cusp tips of the tooth. Inlays are far more durable than fillings and don't require

much of the actual tooth structure to be removed in order to place them. They actually increase the strength of the tooth by up to

75%, preventing further decay. Since inlays are made outside the mouth, they are usually very strong and can last up to thirty

years.

Onlays is a method of tooth restoration, which covers, protects and reinforces one or more cusps. Onlays are often used when

teeth show extensive cavities, have large defective fillings or have been damaged by decay or trauma. Onlays are an ideal

alternative to crowns (caps) because less tooth structure is removed in the preparation of onlays.

An inlay and onlay procedure usually requires two appointments. In the first appointment, an impression of your tooth will be taken. Any decay or old filling material will be removed and the space will then be thoroughly cleaned and carefully prepared. Then a second impression is made of the prepared tooth. At this point the impression is sent to our laboratory and a temporary filling will be applied to protect the tooth while your inlay/onlay is made by our dental laboratory.

Then you will be scheduled for your second appointment, where your temporary will be removed and the permanent inlay/onlay will be cemented on.