Inlay & Onlay Restorations

Inlay & Onlay Restorations in Antalya: The Superior Alternative to Fillings

When a back tooth (molar or premolar) has moderate decay or damage, it often falls into a "grey area" – too damaged for a simple filling, but not damaged enough to require a full dental crown. In these cases, the perfect solution is an inlay or onlay. These are custom-crafted porcelain restorations that offer a conservative, incredibly strong, and highly aesthetic way to restore your tooth to its original function and beauty.

What is the Difference: Inlay vs. Onlay vs. Filling?

Understanding the difference is key to appreciating their value.

• Dental Filling: This is a direct restoration. The composite material is placed directly into the prepared cavity and hardened within your mouth in a single visit. It's ideal for smaller cavities.
• Inlay: This is an indirect restoration, custom-made in our laboratory as a single, solid piece. It is designed to fit perfectly within the cusps (the top bumps) of the tooth's chewing surface.
• Onlay: An onlay is also an indirect, lab-made restoration, but it is larger. It not only fills the space but also covers one or more of the tooth's cusps. For this reason, it is often referred to as a "partial crown."

The Key Advantages of Inlays and Onlays

Our Antalya clinic recommends inlays and onlays for moderately damaged teeth because of their significant benefits over traditional fillings.

Superior Strength and Durability

Because they are milled from a single, solid block of high-strength porcelain or composite, inlays and onlays are significantly stronger and more durable than direct fillings. They do not shrink over time and can withstand chewing forces for decades, making them an excellent long-term investment in your oral health.

A More Conservative Approach Than Crowns

The most important principle in modern dentistry is to preserve as much healthy, natural tooth structure as possible. An onlay allows us to restore a damaged cusp without having to grind down the entire tooth for a full crown. This makes it a far more conservative and healthier option for the tooth.

Exceptional Aesthetics

We use high-quality porcelain that perfectly mimics the translucency and color of your natural tooth enamel. When bonded in place, the restoration is virtually invisible, blending seamlessly with your smile.

A Precise, Leak-Proof Fit

Using 3D digital scans and CAD/CAM technology, we create restorations with an incredibly precise fit. This perfect seal prevents bacteria from leaking underneath the restoration, which significantly reduces the risk of future decay.

The Inlay & Onlay Procedure in Antalya

The process is efficient and perfectly suited for our international patients, typically completed in just two visits.

1. First Visit: Preparation & Digital Scan: We remove any decay or old filling material. Instead of messy traditional putty, we take a fast and comfortable 3D digital scan of your tooth. A temporary restoration is then placed.
2. Second Visit: Final Bonding: A few days later, your custom inlay or onlay, perfectly crafted in our lab, is ready. We remove the temporary and permanently bond your new restoration to the tooth, polishing it to a beautiful, smooth finish.

For a restoration that is both beautiful and built to last, consider an inlay or onlay. Contact our Antalya clinic for a consultation to see if this advanced solution is right for you.