Inlays and Onlays

What is an Onlay?

An Onlay covers the biting surface and one or more cusps (the peaks of the tooth). An Onlay is used to restore a tooth that has lost much of its structure, but the tooth still has enough surface area to support a more conservative restoration.
The doctors at Mint Dental will recommend an onlay based on the extent of damage to the tooth.

Example case:

What is an inlay?

An inlay is a special type of filling that may be used to restore the chewing surfaces of a back tooth. It is used when an existing filling has fractured, or when there is decay under an old large filling. An Inlay is also a conservative restoration. It is recommended based on how much tooth structure remains after removing all of the cavity or fractured restoration.

What material is used to make Inlays & Onlays at Mint Dental – Family Dentistry of Emerson?

Drs. Nilay & Radhika Shah will consider the look and function of the inlay/onlay when choosing the material most suitable for you.

Some factors that are taken into consideration are:

• Location of the tooth receiving the Inlay/Onlay – (i.e – For a tooth that is visible and toward the front of the mouth, a tooth-colored material is recommended for esthetics)
• Ability of the restoration to withstand heavy chewing pressure.

There are different types of materials used for Inlays & Onlays:

Inlays & Onlays are made from tooth-colored materials, such as Porcelain, composite resin, and from gold alloys.

Gold Alloys may be used when high strength is needed and there is less concern about matching tooth color.

* All photos on this page are of Dr. Shah’s actual patients.