Inlays and Onlays
Instead of very large fillings you can have inlays and onlays. They can last for a lot longer than fillings and can help to protect the weak remaining parts of the tooth.
An inlay occupies the hole in the tooth. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. Inlays and onlays can in many cases be preferable to crowns as less of the tooth is removed in the tooth preparation and this may help to preserve the tooths long-term health.
Inlays and onlays can be made in tooth-coloured porcelain or glass, gold or a composite (plastic) material. Different materials are suitable for different parts of the mouth and different parts of the teeth. The porcelain, glass or composite inlays and onlays can look very natural.
