Same-day ceramic restorations designed to preserve natural tooth structure
Cerec Inlays and Onlays
When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t yet need a full crown, CEREC inlays and onlays offer a precise, conservative solution. At Holdsworth House Dental in Darlinghurst, we use advanced digital technology to design and place custom ceramic restorations in a single visit - restoring strength, comfort and appearance while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.
Digitally Planned, Customised Restorations
CEREC inlays and onlays are digitally planned using detailed 3D scans of your tooth and bite. This enables precise design and in-house fabrication of custom ceramic restorations. At our Darlinghurst practice, this approach supports predictable outcomes in a single visit.
When a Filling Isn’t Enough but a Crown Isn’t Necessary
CEREC inlays and onlays are often used when a tooth has lost more structure than a filling can reliably support, but where preserving healthy tooth structure is still possible. Careful assessment helps determine whether this middle-ground approach offers the most appropriate balance of strength, longevity and conservation. For many patients, this approach provides the right balance of strength and conservation without committing to full coverage too early.
Durable Ceramic Restorations
CEREC inlays and onlays are made from high-strength ceramic materials selected for their wear resistance and long-term stability. When bonded to the tooth, they help restore function while integrating naturally with the surrounding tooth structure.
Planned to Preserve Healthy Tooth Structure
CEREC inlays and onlays allow us to restore strength while conserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. By avoiding unnecessary full coverage, this approach supports long-term tooth integrity and aligns with a conservative philosophy focused on doing only what is required.
What are CEREC inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made ceramic restorations used to repair teeth affected by decay, fractures or wear.
- Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth, between the cusps
- Onlays extend over one or more cusps to protect a larger portion of the biting surface
They are often recommended when:
- A filling is no longer sufficient
- The tooth structure is still healthy enough to avoid a full crown
- Long-term strength and precision are important
This approach allows us to restore the tooth without unnecessary removal of healthy enamel.
What are the advantages of CEREC inlays and onlays compared to fillings or crowns?
CEREC inlays and onlays allow damaged teeth to be restored with a high level of precision while preserving healthy tooth structure. Compared with conventional fillings, ceramic inlays and onlays offer improved wear resistance and can provide better structural support for teeth with larger areas of decay or damage. When appropriate, this approach helps restore strength and stability while maintaining predictable, long-term performance. Treatment can often be completed in a single visit without the need for temporary restorations.
How long do CEREC inlays and onlays last?
The longevity of a CEREC restoration depends on factors such as tooth position, bite forces, oral hygiene and how the restoration is designed and bonded. With appropriate care and regular dental reviews, they can perform reliably for many years.
Who is suitable for a CEREC inlay or onlay?
CEREC inlays and onlays may be suitable if you:
- Have a cracked or worn tooth
- Need to replace a large or failing filling
- Want a durable, natural-looking restoration
- Prefer a single-visit solution
They may not be appropriate if the tooth is severely weakened or fractured. In those cases, we’ll discuss alternative options openly where a crown may be a better option.
A typical CEREC inlay or onlay appointment includes:
- Careful assessment and preparation of the tooth
- Digital scanning with no messy impressions
- Design and milling of your custom ceramic restoration
- Try-in, adjustments and bonding
- Final polishing and bite checks
We take a careful, unhurried approach to ensure the restoration feels comfortable and functions naturally before you leave. Most patients are able to return to normal function shortly after treatment.
Restore your smile with CEREC inlays and onlays in Darlinghurst
We regularly care for patients from Darlinghurst, Sydney CBD and Paddington who are looking for a conservative, long-term approach to restorative dentistry. A personalised consultation allows us to assess whether a CEREC inlay or onlay is the right option for your tooth.
➡ Book your appointment online below or call (02) 9331 7811.
