Your dentist says a tooth needs more than a simple filling, and may need an inlay or onlay. Now you’re weighing up an inlay vs onlay, and maybe a crown as well. It’s a lot of new words to take in.
Many patients face this choice when a tooth needs more than a basic filling. This guide explains how each one works and how they compare with fillings and crowns. It also covers what to think about before you decide.
Inlay vs Onlay: What’s the Difference?
Both are custom-made restorations. They’re made outside your mouth from a scan or impression of your tooth, then bonded into place. That’s why some people call them an indirect filling.
The difference is how much of the tooth they cover.
- A dental inlay sits inside the chewing surface of the tooth. It fills the damaged area between the cusps, which are the raised points of the tooth.
- A dental onlay also covers one or more cusps. Because it covers more of the tooth, it’s sometimes called a partial crown.
You may also see the question written as onlay vs inlay, but it means the same thing.
For materials, dentists can use porcelain, ceramic or gold. A ceramic onlay or a porcelain inlay is tooth-coloured, while gold is not. The Australian Dental Association says gold and porcelain restorations made outside the mouth are very strong. Your dentist will talk through which material suits your tooth and bite.
Onlay vs Crown: How They Compare
Onlay vs crown is the other comparison patients ask about. Here’s how the main options sit side by side:
- Filling. The dentist places it directly in the tooth, usually in a single visit. Fillings replace tooth structure that’s fractured, broken or damaged by decay.
- Inlay or onlay. A dental laboratory makes it, so it usually needs more than one appointment.
- Crown. It covers the whole tooth above the gum line. To fit one, the dentist first cuts the tooth back.
An onlay covers only part of the tooth. So your dentist may be able to keep more of your natural tooth than with a crown. That’s why an onlay is often described as a conservative option. However, it isn’t right for every tooth.
The Australian Dental Association also mentioned that dentists may recommend a crown for a badly broken, cracked or decayed tooth. Dentists also commonly recommend one after root canal treatment, particularly for back teeth.
Dental Inlay and Dental Onlay: Benefits and Things to Consider
Dental Inlay
Benefits:
- Can repair damage on the chewing surface without covering the whole tooth
- Is made to fit the shape of your tooth
- Can be made in tooth-coloured porcelain
Things to consider:
- Usually needs more than one appointment
- May not suit a tooth where the damage reaches the cusps
- May cost more than a direct filling, because a laboratory is involved
Dental Onlay
Benefits:
- Covers damaged cusps and may help support the tooth
- May let you keep more natural tooth than a crown would
- Can be made in ceramic or gold
Things to consider:
- The tooth still needs some shaping first
- Usually needs more than one appointment
- May not suit a tooth with very heavy damage or a root canal-treated tooth
- Grinding or clenching can add pressure, so tell your dentist if you do either
Also read: Composite Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers: Which Smile Makeover Is Right for You?
Is an Inlay or Onlay Right for You?
There’s no single answer to inlay vs onlay. It depends on how much healthy tooth is left. Your dentist may think about:
- How much of the tooth is damaged
- Whether the cusps are weak or cracked
- Whether the tooth has had root canal treatment
- Your bite, including any grinding or clenching
- The condition of any old filling
- How you’d like the tooth to look
- Cost and the number of appointments
First, your dentist will check the tooth, often with an X-ray, before suggesting an option. At Ivory Dental Co, we take a tailored, one-on-one approach that focuses on your individual needs. We’ll explain your options clearly, so you can decide with confidence.
What to Expect
Treatment usually takes two appointments.
- First appointment. Your dentist removes the damaged area and shapes the tooth. Then they take a scan or impression and often place a temporary restoration.
- Second appointment. They check the fit and your bite before bonding the restoration in.
Like any dental treatment, an inlay or onlay has risks and limits. Your dentist will discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives with you before you start.
Talking Through Your Options
In short, inlay vs onlay comes down to how much of the tooth needs support. An inlay repairs the chewing surface, an onlay also covers the cusps, and a crown covers the whole tooth. Which one suits you depends on your tooth and an individual assessment.
If you’re unsure which option suits your tooth, our team at Ivory Dental Co is happy to take a look. We’ll check your tooth and talk through whether an inlay, an onlay or a crown may suit you. You can also read more about our inlays and onlays in Maroubra.
Book an appointment or call (02) 8531 1666 to talk through your options with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an onlay a filling or a crown?
It sits between the two. A laboratory makes an onlay, like a crown. However, it covers only part of the tooth, like a large filling. That’s why it’s sometimes called a partial crown.
Are inlays and onlays tooth-coloured?
They can be. Porcelain and ceramic options are tooth-coloured, while gold is not. Your dentist can talk with you about the choices.
Does a root canal-treated tooth need a crown instead?
Dentists often recommend a crown after root canal treatment, particularly for back teeth. Your dentist will check how much tooth remains before advising you.
How is a large filling different from an onlay?
Your dentist builds a large filling up directly in the mouth. In contrast, a laboratory makes an onlay outside the mouth, and your dentist bonds it in. An onlay can also cover the cusps. Your dentist can explain which suits your tooth.
