Inlay/onlay is the same porcelain crown, which is used when there is a risk of breaking the natural tissues (edges) of the tooth.

Unlike filling, it does not change colour, it is much more firmly fixed on natural tissues and is less subject to wear.

In case the tooth is damaged, but not so much to use a crown, a ceramic inlay/onlay is an ideal way to restore the anatomical shape and appearance of the tooth. Unlike composite veneers, ceramic inlays/onlays are more durable, strong, and retain their colour and shape for years.

Nowadays, there already is a Cerec system that allows us to make inlays/onlays/overlays with modern technology in just 1 day.

Inlay

• Size: small size because it only covers the central point of the treated tooth and does not cover the cusps
• Function: When the patient has severe caries, the cavity is large and spreads on the tooth surface
• Treatment: Dentists will use dental glue to stick the inlay piece to the treatment area. The patient’s natural teeth are less affected by inlay teeth keeping up to 60-70% of natural teeth.

Onlay

• Size: the size is larger than the inlay tooth because it covers the central point of the treated tooth and covers 1 part of the cusps
• Function: When the patient has severe caries spreading to the cusp, or the tooth has a slightly chipped tooth that needs covering
• Treatment: Dentists will use dental glue to stick the piece of onlay tooth to the treatment area. With onlay teeth, patients retain 50-60% of their natural teeth.

Overlay

• Size: the size is almost the same as a complete denture, so dentists often consider the overlay and crown to be the same
• Function: Used to replace severely damaged and chipped cases of natural teeth, and the roots are still in good working order.
• Treatment: Dentists will use dental glue to stick the piece of onlay tooth to the treatment area. Patients will retain about 20-30% of their natural teeth with overlay teeth.