By Dr. Keerthi Sudireddy
When a cavity is too large for a simple filling but the tooth does not need a full crown, inlays and onlays are the ideal middle-ground restoration.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that fit a prepared tooth precisely. An inlay sits within the tooth's cusps; an onlay also covers one or more cusps. They are stronger and longer-lasting than large fillings and more conservative than crowns, preserving more natural tooth. They are usually made of ceramic for a natural look.
Inlay vs onlay vs crown
- Inlay - fits within the chewing surface.
- Onlay - also covers one or more cusps.
- Crown - covers the whole tooth (for more damage).
Why choose them
They restore strength while keeping more natural tooth than a crown, and last longer than a large filling. Compare with crowns.
Ask if an inlay or onlay suits you at The Tooth Studio.
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