Inlays and onlays offer an effective and more conservative solution for restoring back teeth with decay than a silver amalgam filling which often requires an extensive amount of the natural tooth to be removed or a full crown.

Inlays and onlays are strong, require a minimal amount of your natural tooth to be removed and are made from tooth coloured material so you to retain a natural looking white smile.

An inlay is placed within the indented area of a back tooth, which has only minimal decay. An onlay however, is placed when a larger restoration is required and may cover one or several cusp tips – the high points of back teeth.

Inlays and onlays offer a strong and long-term restorative solution because of the precise fit that is achieved between the tooth and the restoration. This also significantly reduces the possibility of decay forming along the seam line where the tooth and inlay or onlay joins.

The longevity of your inlay or onlay will depend on your at home oral care routine and attending regular checkup and cleaning appointments with the Bright Star Dental Centre team of hygienists. When cared for, your new restoration can last ten years or more.