Inlays and onlays

A dental restoration is a material that has been placed in a prepared tooth to restore function and morphology when tooth structure has been lost due to decay or fracture or to improve the aesthetics of the tooth.

Inlay is a pre-made filling consisting of a solid substance, gold or porcelain, fitted to a cavity in a tooth and cemented into place.

On-lay is a method to apply a covering layer onto a tooth surface, which not only protects, but also reinforces cusps. Onlays and inlays are often used when teeth present extensive cavities and tissue loss due to trauma or caries, as well as when fillings would lack retention.