A lot of patients find that with composite material fillings that the filling falls out easily and cavities can develop again. To provide patients with a better option would be the use of inlay, onlay or overlay.

1. What is the best way to treat cavities?

A composite fillings is completed in one appointment and involves removing the decayed area and then filling with composite materials and filed down. However, even a filling can be affected by many factors which can lead to the fillings falling out and leading to a cavity to develop again. However, for large cavities when fillings are not an option then a inlay, onlay or overlay would need to be considered.

2. Inlay, Onlay & Overlay is custom made for your tooth

Inlay is a type of dental restoration where the material is bonded within the centre of the tooth as a filling.

Onlay treatment is applied when the extent of the damage requires the inclusion of one or more sections of the tooth and is prepared at dental laboratories.

Overlay treatment is applied when the extent of the damage requires the full inclusion of the biting surface and in fact are categorized as crowns. Just like onlays, the overlays are custom made and are fabricated at dental labs.

There is a wide range of materials to choose from for inlay, onlay and overlay. Materials available are: metal, composite or ceramic.

3. What to look out for with inlay, onlay and overlay

It is important to get advice from a professional dentist so you know how to look after your teeth after. After getting a inlay, onlay or overlay you need to take extra care with oral hygiene.