Indirect Ceramic Restorations (Inlays & Onlays)

When a tooth is damaged, has a large cavity or a previously placed large filling, there are several ways to restore its strength and appearance. The best option depends on how much of the tooth is affected. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference between an inlay, an onlay and a crown.

An inlay is used when the damage or decay is too large for a normal filling but not extensive enough to need a full crown. It fits neatly inside the tooth, within the cusps (the raised edges you use for chewing). Inlays are custom-made to match the shape and colour of your tooth and provide a long-lasting, natural-looking result.

An onlay is similar to an inlay but covers a larger area of the tooth. It extends over one or more of the cusps, helping to restore and protect a tooth that has more significant damage. You can think of an onlay as a midway option between an inlay and a crown as it preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible while giving it extra strength.

A crown, sometimes called a “cap”, covers the entire visible surface of the tooth. It is used when the tooth is badly damaged, heavily filled or weakened after root canal treatment. Crowns completely encase the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance.

Bite Dentistry’s investment in advanced CEREC technology means your inlay or onlay can now be designed, created and fitted in a single visit. In the past, this process required impressions, temporary fittings and a return visit after the restoration was made in a laboratory.

Our innovative CEREC system allows us to digitally scan your tooth, design a perfectly colour-matched ceramic restoration, and mill it right here in our multi award-winning Edinburgh practice, all in about two hours. You’ll leave your appointment with a fully restored, natural-looking tooth that’s strong, smooth and ready to use straight away.