IN
Inlay
An inlay generally restores a more limited area within the tooth. It fits into the prepared cavity and replaces missing structure without covering the entire upper surface of the tooth.
Restorative Dentistry in Turkey
Inlays & Onlays in Turkey
Custom-made ceramic inlays and onlays can restore teeth that have lost too much structure for a conventional filling while helping preserve as much healthy natural tooth tissue as possible.
Custom Ceramic Restoration
Designed to fit the prepared tooth and restore missing
structure while preserving healthy tissue.
Tooth Preservation
Designed to retain healthy tooth structure whenever appropriate.
Custom Made
Prepared according to the shape of the individual tooth.
Ceramic Material
Tooth-coloured restorations designed for function and appearance.
Indirect Restoration
Prepared outside the mouth and bonded to the tooth.
Understanding Inlays & Onlays
Restoring a Tooth While Preserving Healthy Structure
When a tooth has extensive decay or has lost a substantial amount of structure, a conventional filling may not always provide the most suitable restoration.
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations. Instead of being shaped entirely inside the mouth, they are custom-made outside the mouth according to the prepared tooth and then bonded into position.
Their purpose is to replace damaged or missing tooth structure while preserving healthy enamel and dentine whenever clinically appropriate.
Inlay or Onlay?
What Is the Difference?
Both restorations are custom-made, but they cover different amounts of the tooth depending on how much structure needs to be restored.
ON
Onlay
An onlay is used when a larger part of the chewing surface requires restoration. It can extend over one or more areas of the upper tooth while still preserving healthy structure that does not require coverage.
Treatment Indications
When May Inlays or Onlays Be Recommended?
Extensive Decay
When removing decay leaves a larger cavity than a conventional filling can predictably restore.
Weakened Tooth Structure
Teeth with substantial material loss may require additional structural support while preserving remaining healthy tissue.
Large Existing Fillings
Selected large or ageing restorations may be replaced with an indirect ceramic restoration when appropriate.
After Root Canal Treatment
Some teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may require additional restorative support depending on the amount of healthy structure remaining.
Between Filling & Crown
Inlays and onlays may be considered when a filling is not sufficient but complete crown coverage is not required.
Posterior Teeth
They are commonly considered for back teeth where chewing forces and access can make larger restorations more demanding.
Treatment Process
How Are Ceramic Inlays & Onlays Made?
The existing treatment approach describes a laboratory-made restoration completed over two clinical sessions.
01
Tooth Preparation
Local anaesthesia may be used before decay, damaged tissue or unsuitable restorative material is carefully removed.
02
Measurement
The prepared tooth is accurately measured so the final restoration can be customised to the remaining healthy dental structure.
03
Laboratory Preparation
The ceramic inlay or onlay is produced outside the mouth according to the measurements and shape of the prepared tooth.
04
Final Bonding
During the second session, the custom-made restoration is checked and bonded securely to the prepared tooth.
Two-Session Treatment
The existing page describes inlay and onlay treatment as a
two-session process involving tooth preparation, laboratory
fabrication and final adhesive bonding.
Ceramic Restoration Benefits
Advantages of Inlays & Onlays
Preserves Healthy Tooth Tissue
The restoration can be planned around the healthy tooth
structure that remains.
Custom Fit
Each restoration is created according to the prepared tooth
rather than being formed entirely inside the mouth.
Natural Appearance
Tooth-coloured ceramic can be selected to integrate with
surrounding natural dental tissue.
Designed for Chewing Forces
Ceramic restorations can be considered for posterior teeth
where larger restorations are subjected to functional load.
Colour Stability
Ceramic material is selected in part for its aesthetic
stability and resistance to discolouration.
Conservative Alternative
In selected cases, an inlay or onlay can restore the tooth
without requiring complete crown coverage.
Treatment Comparison
Composite Filling vs. Inlay & Onlay
Both are tooth-coloured restorative options, but the way they are made and the situations in which they are used differ.
Feature
Composite Filling
Inlay / Onlay
How It Is Made
Placed and shaped directly in the mouth.
Custom-made outside the mouth and bonded into place.
Typical Use
Commonly used for smaller to medium-sized restorations.
Can be considered for larger areas of tooth structure loss.
Visits
Often completed in one clinical session.
Existing treatment information describes two sessions.
Material
Composite resin.
Ceramic / porcelain restoration.
Selection
Depends on cavity size, tooth condition and clinical needs.
Considered when an indirect restoration provides a more
appropriate solution for the remaining tooth.
Conservative Restorative Dentistry
Between a Filling and a Full Crown
One of the reasons an inlay or onlay may be selected is to restore a substantially damaged tooth without automatically covering the entire tooth with a crown. The dentist can evaluate how much healthy structure remains and select the restorative approach that is appropriate for the individual tooth.
The Goal: Preserve What Is Healthy
Treatment planning focuses on removing damaged or decayed
tissue while retaining healthy tooth structure whenever
clinically possible.
Treatment Enquiry
Do You Need an Inlay or Onlay?
If you have a damaged tooth, a large filling or significant tooth structure loss, our dental team can assess whether a composite filling, ceramic inlay, onlay or another restorative option is appropriate for your individual case.
Individual Assessment
The appropriate restoration depends on the amount of healthy
tooth structure remaining and the clinical condition of the
tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays & Onlays FAQs
What is an inlay?
An inlay is a custom-made indirect restoration used to
replace missing or damaged structure within a prepared
tooth. It is produced outside the mouth and then bonded to
the tooth.
What is an onlay?
An onlay is similar to an inlay but can cover a larger
portion of the chewing surface when more tooth structure
needs to be restored.
When are inlays and onlays used?
They may be considered when a tooth has substantial tissue
loss and a direct composite filling may not provide the
most appropriate restoration, while a full crown may not
necessarily be required.
Are inlays and onlays made from ceramic?
The treatment described on this page uses ceramic or
porcelain inlays and onlays that are custom-made according
to the prepared tooth.
How many appointments are required?
The existing treatment process describes two sessions. The
tooth is prepared and measured during the first session,
and the laboratory-made restoration is bonded during the
second session.
What is the difference between a composite filling and an inlay or onlay?
Composite fillings are placed directly in the tooth and are
commonly used for smaller or medium-sized restorations.
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations created outside
the mouth and may be considered when a larger amount of
tooth structure requires restoration.
Is an inlay or onlay better than a crown?
Neither treatment is automatically better. The appropriate
option depends on the amount and location of healthy tooth
structure remaining, the condition of the tooth and the
restorative requirements identified during examination.
The suitability of an inlay, onlay, composite filling or dental
crown depends on the condition of the individual tooth, the amount
of healthy dental structure remaining and the clinical assessment
performed by the treating dentist.