What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are a tool used by dentists in a couple different situations. Both of them are dental restoration treatments that are made outside of the mouth and then cemented into place. The difference between them is essentially just the size and area that they cover of a tooth.

An inlay is essentially nothing more or less than a tooth filling. The primary difference, however, is that while traditionally fillings are set into the tooth in a liquid or putty consistency and then hardened, inlays are shaped on the tooth, removed, hardened outside of the mouth, then cemented into place back on the tooth. The primary advantage of doing this is that both metal amalgam and composite resin fillings will shrink slightly during hardening. While the difference between the sizes will be essentially unnoticeable to the naked eye, the tooth experiences the strain from that change. If the tooth is already weakened due to the decay or from other dental work done on it, that strain can break the tooth. Inlays avoid that risk.

Onlays are essentially the same, the difference is that they will also cover one or more of the cusps of the teeth, the bumps that allow us to grind food. Our Van Nuys dentist will use these as a way to strengthen the tooth, provide protection for it, but not put undue strain on it in the process.