Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are very similar to fillings, but are meant to replace damaged teeth on a larger scale. Initially, inlays and onlays were made of gold, but the desire for a solution that closely matched the natural look of teeth means that there are more options today. These options include gold, porcelain, and resin.
Inlays
Inlays are used in a similar way that fillings are – that is, to restore or repair the structure of a tooth. However, inlays are used to combat tooth decay and breakage on a larger scale, where fillings wouldn’t usually be enough.
Onlays
Onlays can be used when you have a cavity that is too large for a filling, but you aren’t looking to get a crown. They are molded to fit large areas where the tooth has decayed or broken down, usually covering a tooth’s biting surface and filling in the area.