: The most extensive option, an overlay covers the entire biting surface , including all cusps and often part of the tooth's sides, but preserves the natural root and more structure than a full crown. Comparison of Restorative Options
Inlays, onlays, and overlays are used to repair teeth that have moderate to extensive damage—often too large for a standard filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. These custom-made pieces are fabricated in a lab and then bonded to the tooth to restore its function and strength. Key Differences and Definitions Download Inlay onlay overlay pdf
: These sit within the grooves of the tooth's biting surface and do not extend over any of the cusps (the pointed tips of the tooth). : The most extensive option, an overlay covers
: Often called "partial crowns," these cover the biting surface and extend over one or more cusps . Key Differences and Definitions : These sit within
The primary distinction between these restorations is the they cover on the tooth.