Inlays and onlays are dental restorations. They can be used in place of traditional dental fillings to treat tooth decay or structural damage. Inlays and onlays are fabricated indirectly in a dental lab before being fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth by the dentist.
The dental inlay fills the space between the cusps, at the center of the tooth’s surface. Dental onlay is similar to inlay, but covers one or more cups or the entire biting surface of the tooth. An onlay is necessary when the extent of the damage is greater.