VS Dental

Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays

Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays: What Are They?

When your tooth is damaged or has a cavity that is too big for a regular filling but not damaged enough for a crown, inlays, onlays, and overlays are good options to fix it.

What is an Inlay?

An inlay is like a puzzle piece that fits into the grooves of your tooth. It repairs the area inside the cusps (the pointed parts) of your tooth. Inlays are used when a cavity or decay affects the center of the tooth, but the outer structure is still strong.

What is an Onlay?

An onlay is similar to an inlay, but it covers a larger area. It not only fills the center of the tooth but also extends over one or more of the cusps. This is helpful when part of your tooth’s outer structure is also damaged, but a full crown isn’t needed.

What is an Overlay?

An overlay is like a partial crown. It covers the entire biting surface of the tooth, including all of the cusps. It’s used when a large portion of the tooth is damaged or weakened, but the tooth can still be saved without a full crown.

Benefits of Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays

– They strengthen your tooth.
– They are more durable than regular fillings.
– They help preserve more of your natural tooth.

Talk to your dentist to find out which option is best for you!