Patient Education
Inlays & onlays
Between a Filling and a Crown
What they are
Inlays and onlays are lab-made restorations placed when a cavity or lost tooth structure is too large to be restored by a simple filling. The process is very similar to a crown: after the tooth is prepared, the restoration is crafted in the lab and then cemented or bonded to the tooth.
Materials & strength
Inlays can be made of gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are cosmetic alternatives to fillings and are very strong compared to regular white fillings. Gold is also an excellent, time-proven material — though its appearance makes it less popular today.
Why choose an inlay or onlay?
- Can replace most back-teeth fillings, often with a better cosmetic result
- Much stronger than a conventional white filling
- More conservative than a crown — more of your natural tooth is preserved
- Longevity often makes them cost less than fillings over time
Because the lab process is similar to a crown, the initial cost is comparable to one — but considering how long inlays and onlays last, they can end up costing less than traditional fillings that need replacing again and again. Your dentist will explain when an inlay or onlay is a viable option for you.
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