Inlays and onlays are great for replacing unsightly and/or old fillings. They are restorations that closely match your natural tooth color. As you can surmise from the name, an inlay is placed inside a hole in the tooth, while an onlay is attached to the top of the tooth. These techniques not only serve to improve the tooth’s appearance but they will also make it stronger.
Placing inlays and onlays usually requires two appointments. Sometimes, a dentist can use a CEREC machine to create your inlays in just one office visit. Once they are placed, you can care for your inlays and onlays just as you would your natural teeth.
In most cases, the dentist will need to take moldings of your teeth to create the perfect inlay or onlay for your smile. While this process is slightly longer, you’ll have a perfect smile back in no time at all.