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When tooth decay or injury requires restorative care, dental crowns are frequently the method used to correct the damage. But inlays and onlays represent an alternative treatment technique that is well-regarded for its long-lasting strength and preservation of still-healthy portions of the existing tooth.

Inlays and onlays – that are also commonly called indirect fillings – are manufactured at a dental laboratory before they are fitted and bonded to the damaged tooth. This differs from traditional crowns that are molded to cover the entire tooth during a dental procedure.

The procedure is considered an inlay when the replacement material is bonded to the central portion of the tooth. On the other hand, an onlay is used when more extensive coverage of the biting surface is needed due to the extent of damage present in the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are considered a conservative treatment measure because more of the natural tooth can be preserved. This provides both aesthetic and functional improvements, but the benefits don’t stop there.

There are a number of reasons, people and dentists like inlays and onlays for corrective tooth replacement. Some of those benefits include:

• Inlays and onlays are more likely to resist discoloration and therefore maintain a more healthy appearance over time.

• Inlays and onlays fit tightly and preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible and that makes them a viable choice especially for those with minimal tooth decay.

• Because more of the healthy tooth is preserved, inlays and onlays maintain more of the tooth’s natural stability and function.

• Cleaning is easier because the inlay or onlay covers less of the tooth than dental crowns and they do not shrink as some dental crowns and composite fillings may.

• Complete reshaping of the tooth is not needed with inlays or onlays that protect only the weak areas and leave the rest unchanged.

Complications may arise in any dental procedure and cause the treatment plan to be altered to address issues that arise. However, in most cases, an inlay or onlay procedure can be completed in only two dentist visits.

The dentist must prepare the decayed tooth for treatment during the initial visit. A mold of the tooth is created and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the permanent inlay or onlay that is comprised of either porcelain, gold or composite resins. The ultimate decision regarding material will have much to do with the location of the tooth. Porcelain is most often used when the restoration takes place in viewable areas while gold or resins are standard for molars. During the initial visit, a temporary device may be placed on the tooth.

On the second visit, after the inlay or onlay has been crafted at the dental laboratory, the permanent restoration will take place. The inlay or onlay will be fitted to the tooth and proper adjustment ensured. The patient’s bite will also be checked to make sure there are no complications that may cause the restoration to fail over time.

On average, an inlay will cost less than $1,000 while onlays usually come in right at the $1,000 mark. Most insurance companies will cover at least part of the costs of the procedures. How much will depend on the individual’s insurance policy. Typically, insurance companies will pay for 50-80 percent of the procedure.