Inlays perform a similar function to fillings, but we use them where a simple filling isn’t sufficient. This is usually when repairing a tooth with a large surface area, such as those found at the back of the mouth which are used for chewing, or when a prior filling has sadly failed. Like fillings, inlays are used to fill in holes or cavities in a tooth but are made in a dental laboratory and placed here at the practice.

Onlays are more similar in function to crowns than they are to fillings. Sitting over the top of the tooth, onlays act as a cap, repairing, restoring, and protecting the cusp of the tooth from damage. They require less of the natural tooth to be removed for application, so can sometimes be used as a more conservative/minimally-invasive option.

Inlays and onlays are normally made of a porcelain/ceramic material. More recently, some inlays and onlays have been made from composite.