Dental Inlays and Onlays (orig)

In simple words, inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are fabricated outside the oral cavity, unlike conventional fillings which are created and set inside the mouth. An inlay is the name given to a restoration that replaces a single cusp or portion of the tooth, whereas an onlay is a restoration that extends to multiple cusps, or covers the entire occlusal surface of the tooth; it is therefore also known as a partial crown.

The procedure involves removal of caries and the creation of a retentive cavity in the mouth, after which an impression is taken. This impression is used to fabricate a tooth-coloured restoration using CAD/CAM technology. Once prepared, this restoration is simply cemented into the prepared cavity. This method effectively reduces chair-time for patients and allows them to relax while the filling is being made outside the mouth. At Iowa Dental, inlays and onlays are made using top quality materials that ensure outstanding strength and aesthetics whether they are being used to restore an anterior tooth, or a posterior one. If you wish to learn more about this computer aided techniques, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to address any and all of your queries.