Inlays and onlays are the most precise form of dental restoration — for defects that are too large for a filling but do not yet require a full crown. Made from solid ceramic, they look natural, are resistant to pressure and are durable.
Inlays and onlays are fixed restorations made from ceramic or high-quality composite, which fit precisely into a tooth like a jigsaw piece. They are used when a defect is too large to be treated with a simple filling — but the tooth is still healthy enough not to require a full crown.
The difference between an inlay and an onlay lies in the extent of the restoration: an inlay fills only the inner area of the chewing surface — that is, the area between the cusps. An onlay also extends over one or more cusps (outer surfaces) and is therefore equivalent to a partial crown.
In the case of very large defects — for example, following the removal of an old, extensive amalgam filling — a direct composite filling is no longer sufficiently stable. The complex layering of large composite fillings carries the risk of shrinkage during curing, which can lead to micro-cracks or leaky margins. Inlays and onlays are precisely fabricated outside the mouth — using CEREC or in the dental laboratory — and then fitted. This guarantees a precise fit, no shrinkage and excellent durability.
We fabricate inlays and onlays either using our CEREC 3D system directly in the practice or via our specialist laboratory. With CEREC, the entire treatment — from the digital scan to the fitting — is completed in a single appointment. The laboratory-based procedure takes two appointments but, in certain cases, allows for even finer adjustments to colour and shape.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are exceptionally durable — with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, they can last 15 to 20 years or longer. They do not discolour, retain their fit and are highly resistant to the stresses of chewing. Compared to crowns, more healthy tooth structure is preserved, which we consider a major advantage.
You can find a detailed overview of all restoration options on our page about dental fillings.
We fabricate ceramic inlays directly using CEREC 3D in a single appointment or via our laboratory. Book an appointment.