INLAYS & ONLAYS
An inlay is a conservative restoration that fits within the cavity walls of a tooth. An onlay is a less conservative restoration that utilises the external surfaces of the tooth for retention.
Inlays and onlays can be fabricated in gold, porcelain or composite resin.
Gold is the most durable and is used discretely in areas where it is unlikely to be seen. The choice of whether to use porcelain or composite is dependent upon the clinical situation and condition of the tooth.
Fine goldwork has seen a revival in America and Canada over the last ten years since it still outperforms composite and porcelain for durability and patient comfort. A well executed gold inlay restoration will last two to three times as long as its synthetic counterpart. Gold inlays are rarely visible in molar teeth.
