Restorative Dentistry
Inlays & Onlays in Buderim
Dental inlays and onlays at Sunny Dental Buderim are custom-made, lab-crafted restorations for back teeth with too much damage for a filling but not enough to justify a full crown. Stronger than a direct filling and more conservative than a crown.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations — made outside the mouth in a dental laboratory, then cemented into position. They sit between a filling and a crown in terms of how much of the tooth they cover.
Inlays
An inlay restores the area within the cusps of a back tooth — the central chewing surface. It is used when decay or damage affects the interior of the tooth but has not extended to the outer edges. The inlay is made to fit exactly into the prepared cavity, bonded firmly in place.
Onlays
An onlay covers more of the tooth surface — extending over one or more of the raised cusps. This is appropriate when damage reaches the outer edges of the tooth but the remaining structure is still sound enough to support an indirect restoration rather than a full crown. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns.
Why Not Just Use a Filling?
Direct composite fillings work well for small to medium cavities. But for larger restorations — especially on back teeth that take the full force of chewing — a direct filling can flex slightly under load, which over time can cause the tooth or the filling to crack. A lab-made inlay or onlay is fabricated as a rigid, precisely fitted unit that distributes chewing forces more evenly.
Why Not Just Use a Crown?
A crown covers the entire visible tooth and requires reduction of tooth structure on all sides. An inlay or onlay only removes the damaged area, preserving more of the healthy original tooth. Where the remaining tooth structure is sound, choosing an inlay or onlay over a crown is the more conservative option — and at Sunny Dental, the most conservative treatment that addresses the problem properly is usually the preferred approach.
Materials and What to Expect
Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain, tooth-coloured composite, or gold. The material your dentist recommends depends on the tooth location and the extent of the restoration.
Assessment and Planning
Dr Louis or Dr Jeremy will examine the tooth — clinically and with X-rays where needed — and determine whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the most appropriate solution for the extent of the damage. You will receive a written treatment plan with costs before any work proceeds.
Preparation and Impression
At the first appointment, the damaged area is prepared under local anaesthetic, an impression or digital scan is taken, and a temporary restoration is placed. Sedation is available if needed — including happy gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation with a registered nurse on-site.
Laboratory Fabrication
The inlay or onlay is made by a dental laboratory from the impression or scan. Porcelain and composite inlays are colour-matched to the surrounding tooth. The lab fabricates the restoration to fit precisely — this precision is what gives indirect restorations their durability advantage over direct fillings.
Fitting and Bonding
At the second appointment, the temporary is removed, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit and bite, then bonded permanently into place. Your dentist will check your bite carefully before you leave. The restoration should feel natural — not high, not catching. Most patients adapt immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of a back tooth, restoring the central chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area of damage. Both are custom-made in a dental lab and cemented into place — the distinction is simply about how much of the tooth surface they cover.
How is an inlay or onlay different from a filling?
A filling is placed directly into the tooth and shaped in the chair. An inlay or onlay is made in a dental lab from an impression of your tooth, then cemented in as a single, precisely fitted piece. This makes it stronger and more durable in areas of high chewing load — particularly for larger restorations where a direct filling would be more prone to wear or fracture over time.
How long does an inlay or onlay take?
Inlays and onlays require two appointments. At the first, the tooth is prepared and an impression is taken, and a temporary restoration is fitted. The lab makes the inlay or onlay over one to two weeks, then it is cemented at the second appointment.
What material are inlays and onlays made from?
Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Porcelain and tooth-coloured composite are the most commonly used materials today, offering a natural appearance and good durability. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate material for your tooth and clinical situation.
Do health funds cover inlays and onlays?
Many health funds with major dental cover include inlays and onlays. Coverage depends on your specific policy and level of extras cover. We use HICAPS to process rebates on the spot — bring your health fund card and we will check your entitlements at the time of your appointment.
All dental treatments carry risks and individual outcomes vary. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute clinical advice. A consultation with a registered dental practitioner is necessary to assess your individual needs and suitability for treatment.
Find Out If an Inlay or Onlay Is Right for You
Sunny Dental is on King Street in Buderim, serving patients from Mountain Creek, Sippy Downs, Maroochydore, Forest Glen, and across the Sunshine Coast. Call (07) 5445 8400 or book online.