Inlays and onlays are used in a very similar way to a filling—they’re used to repair a tooth that has been damaged due to decay or trauma. The main difference is that they can be used to repair a much larger surface area.
An inlay is used to fill in a cavity and is then bonded into place so that further chips, cracks, or other damage can be prevented. Inlays are often used to repair the teeth at the back of the mouth. These are the teeth that are used for chewing and tend to be larger than those at the front of the mouth.
An onlay is used to treat the “cusp” of the tooth—this refers to the part of the tooth that is visible. An onlay will sit on top of this raised part of the tooth, repairing any damage and helping to support and protect the cusp of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays can be made of a variety of materials, most commonly metal, porcelain, or composite resin.
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