Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are durable alternatives to traditional fillings for repairing damaged teeth. They’re custom-made to fit your tooth precisely and are designed to restore both function and appearance.

What Are They?

Unlike regular fillings, which are molded inside your mouth while soft, inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth—usually in a dental laboratory—and then bonded to the tooth.

• Inlays fit into a cavity within the tooth, like a puzzle piece.
• Onlays sit on top of the tooth and help rebuild its shape.

They can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Tooth-colored porcelain
• Gold
• White filling material (composite resin)

The best material depends on the location of the tooth and the type of damage.

What Will My Dentist Do?

Your dentist will usually follow these steps:

• Apply local anaesthetic to numb the area.
• Remove any old filling material and decayed or damaged parts of the tooth.
• Take an impression (mould) using a putty-like material to record the shape of your tooth and surrounding teeth.
• Send the impression to a dental lab, where the custom inlay or onlay will be made.
• Place a temporary filling to protect the tooth while your restoration is being created.
• Bond the finished inlay or onlay to your tooth at a follow-up appointment and make any needed adjustments for comfort.

What Are the Benefits?

• Stronger and more durable than regular fillings.
• Ideal for restoring chewing surfaces of back teeth.
• Better appearance for large repairs on front teeth compared to traditional fillings.
• Custom-made for a perfect fit and natural look—your dentist can match the color to your existing teeth.

Inlays and onlays are a reliable, aesthetic solution for long-term tooth restoration.