Custom-made ceramic fillings strengthen a damaged tooth while preserving its natural appearance.
Inlay, onlay and overlay are modern fillings that serve as a replacement for a damaged part of the tooth. Unlike conventional fillings, they are made to measure and are inserted into the tooth as one unit. They are used when the damage to the tooth is too great for a classic filling, but not so much that a crown is needed.
The dentist will inspect and assess the extent of the damage to your tooth and determine if an inlay, onlay, or overlay is a suitable solution for you. The examination will use X-rays to see the depth of the damage.
After local anesthesia, the dentist removes the damaged or decayed tissue. The tooth is then gently prepared so that the inlay / onlay / overlay filling can fit perfectly.
After the initial preparation, the dentist will take an accurate impression or digital scan of the tooth. Based on this, the dental technician will fabricate a precisely shaped ceramic filling.
The production of a permanent inlay / onlay / overlay filling takes approximately 1–2 weeks. During this time, the dentist covers the tooth with a temporary filling that protects it and maintains comfort when chewing.
After the final filling is made, the dentist checks it, tries it on, and if everything fits perfectly, he permanently glues it to the prepared tooth with a special dental cement.
Finally, the dentist checks the height of the inlay / onlay / overlay filling and makes minor adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly into the bite. The tooth is immediately functional and aesthetically indistinguishable from the others.
Timely treatment of a broken tooth helps prevent further damage and unpleasant pain. Don’t delay your visit and book an appointment with us as soon as possible.
The difference lies in the extent of coverage of the damaged tooth. An inlay only fills the inner (middle) chewing surface of the tooth, an onlay also covers one or more chewing cusps, and an overlay covers virtually the entire upper surface of the tooth.
Yes. Ceramic inlay/onlay/overlay fillings are more precise, more aesthetic, more durable, and gentler on the tooth than conventional composite fillings.
With proper hygiene and regular check-ups, ceramic fillings can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer.
No, the treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
No, inlays, onlays and overlay fillings behave like a natural tooth. You just need to maintain normal oral hygiene and go for regular check-ups.
It takes approximately 1 to 2 weeks from your first visit to the placement of your permanent inlay, onlay, and overlay fillings. In the meantime, your dentist will place a temporary filling.
Most often, inlay, onlay and overlay fillings are made of high-quality ceramics, which are strong, durable and color-matched to the surrounding teeth.