Inlays & onlays
Custom restorations used to rebuild selected areas of a damaged tooth.
Before
Tell the dentist which tooth is bothering you and when you first noticed a change.
During
Ask how much of the tooth can be kept, which material is suitable and whether your care needs more than one visit.
After
Follow the care instructions you are given. Ask whom to contact if the tooth remains uncomfortable or the bite feels different.
Technology
Intraoral scanner
Records the prepared tooth and how it meets the opposing teeth.
CAD/CAM digital dentistry
Helps design an inlay or onlay to fit the part of the tooth being repaired.
FAQs
Is an onlay a crown?
An onlay covers only part of the tooth. A crown covers the visible part all the way around.
Fillings and crownsCan mine be made in one visit?
Some inlays and onlays can be made at the practice on the day. Ask whether the tooth and material you need suit that approach.
Same-day crowns & repairsFurther reading
How the repairs differ
An inlay fits within the biting surface. An onlay covers one or more of the raised points you bite on. Your dentist checks what part of the tooth needs support.
Planning and fitting
The dentist prepares the tooth and takes a scan or impression. The restoration may be made at the practice or in a laboratory, depending on the case.
Your dentist will explain which repair is suitable and how many visits to expect.