Dental Inlays & Onlays

Inlays are most often placed on chewing teeth—these are the ones located at the back: molars and premolars. They do the most work when we eat and break down faster due to decay or large fillings. If a tooth has a big cavity, and a simple filling can no longer cope and constantly falls out, then the dentist advises an inlay—it holds much stronger and lasts longer.

Another option is when a tooth was treated for a “nerve” (the root canals were cleaned). After such treatment, the tooth becomes more brittle, and the inlay helps it withstand loads and prevent it from breaking.

Inlays are placed on front teeth less often because appearance, rather than strength, is usually important there. Veneers or crowns are better suited for this purpose. However, there are situations when an inlay can be made for a front tooth as well—for example, if a piece chipped off and exactly the shape needs to be restored, rather than the entire tooth.

In other words, a dental inlay is a “golden balance” between a filling and a crown: it is placed when the tooth can still be saved without full prosthetics, but a regular filling will no longer help.

Inlays differ from one another in material, size, and manufacturing method. In simple terms, they are like “spare parts” for a tooth: you can make a small part just for a cavity, or a larger one to restore almost the entire top of the tooth.

By material:

• Ceramic inlays – they look as natural as possible. The color is matched to your teeth, so no one will even notice that a “foreign” part is there. They are strong and durable, which is why ceramic is the most popular option today.
• Zirconia inlays – even more resistant than ceramic tooth inlays. They are ideal for chewing teeth, which constantly experience heavy loads. Additionally, zirconia looks great and is indistinguishable from natural enamel.
• Composite inlays – made of a material similar to a filling. They cost less but also last shorter than ceramic or zirconia. This is an option to “place now and maybe replace with something more serious later.”
• Gold inlays – a true classic. Gold is very strong, does not wear down, and lasts for decades. However, due to its color, it does not look aesthetic, so this solution is rarely chosen today.

By size and function:

• Inlays – small pieces that cover only a cavity inside the tooth. It is like an “improved filling.”
• Onlays – larger than inlays, they also restore the cusps of the tooth (the “bumps” that help you chew).
• Overlays – the most massive ones. They cover almost the entire chewing surface and resemble a mini-crown in shape.

By manufacturing method:

• Laboratory-made – produced based on an impression or a scan in a dental laboratory. This is the classic method: one appointment with the dentist, then a few days of waiting, and then the inlay is installed.
• CAD/CAM inlays – a modern option. The tooth is scanned right in the chair, and a computer mills the finished inlay. In some clinics, everything can be done in a single visit.