Dental inlays and onlays fit the tooth to replace fillings or where a tooth has fractured to save more of the tooth structure than a crown. Dental inlays, onlays, veneers and crowns are known as indirect restorations. They are created at the dental laboratory or in the dental office by the CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) machine in our office.

Dental inlays and onlays are designed to fit snugly into a preparation within the tooth. An dental inlay covers a portion of the occlusal and proximal surfaces; it is used to replace or fill small fillings. A dental onlay covers the proximal surfaces and most or all of the occlusal surfaces as well as the cusp of the tooth. It is used to replace very large fillings or in areas where only a piece of tooth has fractured. With dental inlays and onlays the doctor is able to save more of the tooth structure than a crown.

These restorations are completed in a single visit. Designed and milled by the CEREC machine, the ceramic material is compatible with the tissues in the mouth, anti-abrasive and the best of all is metal-free. Dental inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly to the tooth, can strengthen the tooth. Traditional "fillings" do the opposite. They can reduce the strength of the tooth.

Dental inlays and onlays fit the tooth to replace fillings or where a tooth has fractured to save tooth structure.