InlaysOnlays

Inlays and onlays are indirect dental restorations used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. An inlay fits within the inner surfaces of the teeth without extending over the outer cusps, while an onlay covers one or more cusps and can replace missing cusp structure. Both are fabricated outside the mouth and bonded to the tooth with adhesive cement.

Indications for inlays and onlays include large caries, cracked or fractured teeth, or the replacement of extensive old fillings where a simple filling or a crown would be insufficient or overly invasive. They are commonly considered after root canal treatment or in situations where preserving remaining tooth structure is a priority. Materials typically used are porcelain or ceramic, composite resin, and gold alloy. Porcelain and ceramic offer strong aesthetics; gold alloys provide durability and wear resistance; composites are a more economical, tooth-colored option.

Procedure generally involves tooth preparation, taking impressions or digital scans, and fabrication in a laboratory or via CAD/CAM technology. A temporary restoration is placed before the final inlay or onlay is permanently cemented and bonded to the tooth using resin cement and bonding agents.

Advantages of inlays and onlays include conservative tooth reduction, superior esthetics with ceramic materials, and durable, strong restorations when properly bonded. Disadvantages include higher cost, longer treatment time, dependence on laboratory fabrication or CAD/CAM processes, and potential for debonding or fracture, especially if occlusion is not well managed.

Prognosis varies with material, bite forces, and oral hygiene, but longevity of a well-cared-for restoration generally extends many years. Regular dental checkups help monitor integrity and wear.