What is onlay inlay?

Onlay and inlay are restorative dental procedures used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. They are similar in that both procedures involve the placement of a custom-made piece of ceramic, porcelain, or composite material onto or into the tooth structure.

Inlay: An inlay refers to a filling that is directly bonded to the tooth's surface. This procedure is used to restore the cavity, where the filling material is placed in the small pits and fissures of the damaged tooth, much like a jigsaw puzzle piece. Inlays are permanent restorations.

Onlay: An onlay, on the other hand, is a more extensive restoration that covers a greater portion of the tooth than an inlay. Onlays are used to restore a larger area of a tooth that has been damaged or decayed, including the cusps (the pointed edges of the teeth).

Onlays and inlays are made in a dental laboratory from an impression taken of the prepared tooth. The restoration is then cemented onto the tooth using a special bonding agent. Onlays and inlays are often made of ceramic or porcelain, which is color-matched to the natural tooth shade for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Overall, onlays and inlays are reliable restorative treatments that can preserve much of the natural tooth structure and provide excellent long-term results.