Inlays and onlays, between a filling and a crown
An inlay fits inside the grooves of a tooth’s chewing surface; an onlay also covers one or more cusps. Both are made to fit outside the mouth, then bonded in place.
What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made pieces that repair part of a back tooth. They sit between a filling and a crown: stronger than a large filling, but they keep more of your own tooth than a crown.
Inlay
Fits within the grooves of the chewing surface.
Onlay
Also covers one or more cusps of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays in pictures
Press play or use the arrows. Captions are on (CC).
Repairing part of a tooth. How a custom piece is made and fitted to a back tooth.
Step by step Inlays & onlays: how it works
Step 1 Decay or an old filling has damaged the chewing surface of a back tooth.
Show transcriptHide transcript (4 steps)
- Decay or an old filling has damaged the chewing surface of a back tooth.
- The damaged area is removed, and the tooth is shaped.
- A custom ceramic inlay or onlay is made to fit the space.
- It is bonded into place and polished. An onlay also covers one or more cusps.
Treatment facts
Plain-language answers to common questions. General information only: your dentist will explain your own options, risks and costs after examining you.
Is it right for me?
It may suit you if
- a back tooth has a large filling or a crack
- a cusp (point) of the tooth has broken
- the damage is too big for a filling, but there’s enough tooth to avoid a crown
Worth knowing first
- If too little tooth is left, a crown may be better.
- Some tooth is shaped away, and this can’t be undone.
- Decay needs to be removed first.
What happens
Check and plan
We examine the tooth, take X-rays and explain your options.
Preparing the tooth
The tooth is numbed, and decay or the old filling is removed.
3D scan
A digital impression of the tooth is taken.
Making it
With CEREC it is milled here, often the same day. Otherwise a lab makes it, with a temporary in between.
1 or 2 visitsBonding
It is bonded in place, the bite is checked and it is polished.
Check-ups
We check it at your regular visits.
Times are typical ranges only. Your dentist will give you your own plan.
Recovery and aftercare
The first few days
- The tooth may be a little sensitive for a few days.
- Wait until the numbness wears off before eating.
- Call us if your bite feels high.
Looking after it long term
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Keep up regular check-ups.
When to call us: ring (08) 9330 7115 if you have pain, a sore spot, sensitivity that isn’t settling, or anything else that worries you.
Risks to know about
Every treatment has some risks. Your dentist will talk you through the ones that apply to you.
- Sensitivity after the tooth is prepared.
- Chipping, wear or loosening over time.
- Nerve problems in some deep repairs, which may later need root canal treatment.
- Decay at the edges if the area isn’t kept clean.
Other options
Filling
Quicker and usually costs less, but may not be as strong for a large repair.
Crown
Covers the whole tooth when there is less tooth left.
Cost and paying
What affects the cost
- inlay or onlay
- the material used
- same-day CEREC or lab-made
- X-rays
We can’t give an exact price before we examine you. You’ll get a written, itemised plan and estimate before any treatment starts. Health fund rebates depend on your fund and level of cover.
Paying for an inlay or onlay
- Estimate first. For planned treatment you get a written estimate with item numbers before you start.
- Claim on the day. Bring your health fund card. We claim on the spot with Tyro, so you pay only the gap.
- Check your cover. Use the health fund checker to see which item numbers to ask your fund about.
- Ways to pay. EFTPOS and card, including tap and pay. Payment plans are available through Tyro and are tailored to each patient. Ask us about eligibility, terms and any fees before you start. Fees and payments
Common questions
How is an inlay different from a filling?
A filling is shaped directly in the tooth. An inlay or onlay is made as one solid piece to fit the prepared tooth, then bonded in.
Can it be done in one visit?
Often, with CEREC same-day technology. Otherwise a temporary is placed while the piece is made.
How do I look after it?
Brush, floss and come for regular check-ups, as you would for natural teeth.
You might also like to read
Information adapted from our main website, myareedental.com. General information only; it isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist. Fees are confirmed in a written treatment plan after your examination.
Your next step
Request an appointment online, call or text our team.