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Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to repair teeth when you need more than a filling but less than a full crown. They are used to restore broken or decayed teeth, to replace large or fractured fillings, and to enhance your smile by replacing silver fillings.

The distinction between inlays and onlays is that onlays are used to cover one cusp or more, whereas dental inlays tend to be used more as a filling between the cusps. Inlays are used as an alternative to fillings for their additional strength. Onlays are used to conserve natural tooth structure when you don't need a full crown. Luckily, you don't need to be an expert on tooth restorations. Your dentist will be able to tell you the best restoration options for your specific situation. Most inlay or onlay restorations are made of composite material, tooth colored porcelain, or gold by a professional dental laboratory. When they are returned from the lab your Dentist will bond them in place to fully restore the beauty and function of your tooth. Inlays and onlays are highly durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful, long lasting smile.