Inlay & Onlay
Aesthetic restoration for large cavities and fractures. Porcelain or composite solution stronger than fillings, more conservative than crowns.
Treatment Duration
2-3 Day
Recovery Time
1-2 Week
Before / After
View our patients before and after treatment images
Results may vary from person to person.
Treatment Process
We keep you informed step by step throughout your treatment
Examination & Evaluation
Comprehensive oral examination and treatment planning.
Treatment Application
Professional treatment by our expert team.
Follow-up & Care
Post-treatment check-up and care instructions.
Examination & Evaluation
Comprehensive oral examination and treatment planning.
Treatment Application
Professional treatment by our expert team.
Follow-up & Care
Post-treatment check-up and care instructions.
Everything About Inlay & Onlay
Find all the detailed information you need about the treatment in this section.
What is Inlay & Onlay?
Inlay and onlay are indirect restorations prepared in laboratory and used in repair of large cavities or fractures. Inlay fits between tooth cusps; onlay covers one or more cusps.
More durable than direct filling and more conservative than crown, these restorations can be made from porcelain (ceramic), composite, or gold materials. They best restore the anatomical structure and function of the tooth.
Treatment Stages
Decay Removal
Decayed tissue is completely removed, healthy tooth tissue is preserved.
Cavity Preparation
Appropriate retentive form is given for inlay/onlay.
Impression
Digital scan or silicone impression is taken.
Laboratory
Restoration is produced with CAD/CAM or press technique.
Cementation
Restoration is bonded with adhesive cement.
Inlay & Onlay Types
Porcelain Inlay/Onlay
E-Max or feldspathic porcelain. Most aesthetic result, for front-back teeth.
Composite Inlay/Onlay
Laboratory composite. More economical, good aesthetics.
Zirconium Inlay/Onlay
Monolithic zirconium. Maximum durability, for back teeth.
Gold Inlay/Onlay
Cast gold. Highest durability, aesthetic disadvantage.
How Is It Done?
Inlay/onlay treatment is completed in 2 sessions within 5-7 days.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Note: Most of these disadvantages can be minimized with proper planning and treatment by an experienced dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions you wonder about the treatment
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References
This content has been prepared based on the following scientific sources
- 1
Ausiello P, Rengo S, Davidson CL, Watts DC. “3D-finite element analyses of cusp movements in a human upper premolar, restored with adhesive resin-based composites” Journal of Biomechanics, 2001.
View Source - 2
Morimoto S, Rebello de Sampaio FB, Braga MM. “Survival rate of resin and ceramic inlays, onlays, and overlays: a systematic review and meta-analysis” Journal of Dental Research, 2016.
View Source - 3
Hopp CD, Land MF. “Considerations for ceramic inlays in posterior teeth: a review” Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry, 2013.
View Source - 4
Felden A,,"Restoration of Large Cavities, ,..". “Inlay restorations: a systematic review and meta-analysis” Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, 2017.
View Source
Written by
Dr. Hejan Kılıç
Approved by
Dt. Korcan
Published
November 18, 2025
Last Updated
December 8, 2025