Inlays and onlays are made of ceramic or fiber reinforced composite. Appropriate material is preferred if the other tooth in contact is natural, composite or porcelain.

Because inlays and onlays are prepared in the laboratory, they can be completed in two appointments. The remaining healthy tooth structure allows the dentist to decide whether to make an inlay or an onlay.

At the first appointment, the caries is cleaned and the measurement of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth is taken. The tooth is closed with a temporary filling material. The measurement is sent to the laboratory.

In the second appointment, the temporary filling is removed. The tooth is rehearsed and sent to the laboratory for polishing. The teeth are cleaned at the same time. Inlays or onlays are adhered to the tooth using a special adhesive. The closure is precisely adjusted and polished by the dentist.

They are aesthetic,
They are long-lived,
They protect the remaining intact tooth tissue,
The risk of edge leakage and new caries formation is minimal,
Tooth-restoration compatibility is very sensitive.

Inlays and onlays may not adhere properly if they come into contact with saliva while they are being adhered. The physician should do very good moisture control. Porcelain inlays or onlays can also break.