Inlay

An inlay is an indirect dental restoration, meaning it is fabricated outside the mouth (typically in a dental lab or with a CAD/CAM milling machine) and then cemented into a prepared cavity in the tooth. What distinguishes an inlay from a filling is the precision of the fit and the materials used, and what distinguishes it from a crown is that an inlay sits within the cusps of the tooth rather than covering the entire biting surface.

Inlays are recommended when a cavity or area of damage is too large for a direct filling to be predictable, but the remaining tooth structure is strong enough that a full crown would remove more healthy tooth than necessary. They are most commonly placed on premolars and molars. The materials used include porcelain (for a natural appearance and durability), gold (for exceptional longevity and biocompatibility), and composite resin (for a tooth-colored option at a lower cost than porcelain). The traditional process requires two appointments. At the first visit, the dentist removes the decay, prepares the cavity, takes an impression, and places a temporary restoration. The impression is sent to a lab where the inlay is custom-fabricated. At the second visit, the temporary is removed and the inlay is tried in, adjusted, and permanently cemented. Practices with in-office milling technology like CEREC can sometimes complete the entire process in a single visit.

For dental practices, inlays tend to be billed at a higher fee than direct fillings but lower than crowns. Insurance coverage varies, and some plans may downgrade inlay benefits to a composite filling allowance. Educating patients on why an inlay is the right choice for their specific situation, emphasizing tooth preservation and long-term durability, helps with case acceptance even when the out-of-pocket cost is higher.