For areas of decay on the chewing surfaces of teeth, an inlay or onlay may offer a conservative repair. Tooth colored materials, called composites, adhere the inlays or onlays directly onto the tooth with a very strong bond. This material replaces decayed tooth enamel with a white filling. Think of it as a puzzle piece, that perfectly fits the contours of your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are larger than fillings, while smaller than crowns. They can prevent the need for a dental crown by only removing the areas of tooth decay. They replace decay on tooth grooves and cusps, perfectly mimicking your tooth anatomy to return integrity and bite pressure to your mouth.
With modern dental materials and bonding techniques, tooth colored materials such as inlays and onlays make dental restorations imperceptible. You’ll be amazed at how natural they look and feel. You may even forget you have an inlay or an onlay!