Onlay restorations are very similar to inlay restorations as they are custom fillings made from a solid substance, typically gold, tooth-colored porcelain or composite material.  They are also similar to inlays in the sense that they can be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth.  However, the difference between onlay restorations and inlay restorations is that onlays extend to restore the cusp of the tooth as well.

While onlay restorations provide more extensive restoration than inlays, they still provide a more conservative alternative to crowns as they require less removal of the tooth structure during preparation.

As is the case with inlays and crowns, onlays are made by a professional dental laboratory and are later cemented into place by your dentist.  Although onlay restorations are very durable and typically last for many years, replacement may eventually become necessary.

Onlays can restore:

• Broken, fractured or chipped teeth.
  
• Teeth damaged by decay.
  
• Fractured or otherwise defective fillings.
  

The onlay restoration process:

As with inlays and crowns, the onlay restoration process typically involves two dental appointments.  At the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of the tooth requiring repair.  Those impressions will be used by the professional dental laboratory to make a fully customized onlay for your tooth. 

The first dental appointment will also involve the removal of any existing fillings or decay while the tooth is numb.  Once that step is complete, your dentist will carefully clean and shape the tooth to prepare it for the onlay.  Next, your dentist will apply a temporary filling to the tooth to keep it protected until the permanent onlay can be applied at the next appointment.

During your second dental appointment, your dentist will permanently cement the custom onlay onto your tooth, ensuring a natural and comfortable bite.