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Inlays & Onlays with CEREC 3D®

Inlays and onlays are restorations to remedy damaged parts of the tooth that are too large for a filling. They are used, for example, when a piece of tooth has broken off, caries has caused a major defect in the tooth or a larger amalgam filling needs to be replaced.

We speak of:

  • Inlays when the inlay filling is only inserted into the inner surface of the (molar) tooth
  • Onlays when additional parts of the outer surface of the tooth are covered as well

In contrast to an (artificial) dental crown, an onlay (sometimes also called overlay) covers the natural tooth’s crown only partially; an onlay is therefore also referred to as a partial crown. We usually produce inlays and onlays individually and precisely from solid ceramic in just one session using the computer-aided system CEREC 3D® by Dentsply Sirona.

In more complex cases, they are manufactured by the dental technician in the laboratory and are then inserted in a second session around 1-2 weeks later by your dentists in Zug.

Ceramic inlays and onlays for tooth restoration at the dentist

Inlays & Onlays with CEREC 3D®

Inlays and onlays are restorations to remedy damaged parts of the tooth that are too large for a filling. They are used, for example, when a piece of tooth has broken off, caries has caused a major defect in the tooth or a larger amalgam filling needs to be replaced.

Ceramic inlays and onlays for tooth restoration at the dentist

We speak of:

  • Inlays when the inlay filling is only inserted into the inner surface of the (molar) tooth
  • Onlays when additional parts of the outer surface of the tooth are covered as well

In contrast to an (artificial) dental crown, an onlay (sometimes also called overlay) covers the natural tooth’s crown only partially; an onlay is therefore also referred to as a partial crown. We usually produce inlays and onlays individually and precisely from solid ceramic in just one session using the computer-aided system CEREC 3D® by Dentsply Sirona.

In more complex cases, they are manufactured by the dental technician in the laboratory and are then inserted in a second session around 1-2 weeks later by your dentists in Zug.

Tooth fillings made of plastics and ceramics from your dentist

Different materials – different properties

In dentistry, a basic distinction is made between hard and soft restorations:

  • Soft plastic tooth fillings (resp. formerly amalgam) are primarily used for small damages such as caries defects, while
  • hard restorations such as inlays or onlays made of ceramics (or gold) are considered for larger reconstructions.

The biggest “noticeable” difference between ceramics and gold or amalgam is probably its aesthetics. While a ceramic inlay – ideally manufactured with a precise fit using the CEREC 3D® system – can hardly be distinguished visually from natural teeth, a gold inlay or an amalgam filling stands out characteristically. For this reason, “colored” filling materials are usually only used in the back of the jaw, if at all.

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In addition to aesthetics, ceramic also scores with its long durability. On average, ceramic inlays last ten to twelve years before they may need to be replaced. Composite, on the other hand, often lasts a few years less. A gold inlay, on the other hand, is extremely durable – up to 30 years – but is a major cost factor and aesthetically not for everyone.


Amalgam has been a popular material in dentistry for over 100 years, but is also associated with certain health risks: There has been a suspicion for decades that amalgam can cause headaches, vision problems and even depression. At this point, however, it must be mentioned that this suspicion has not yet been scientifically confirmed beyond doubt. Overall, skepticism towards traditional amalgam tooth fillings is increasing for good reasons. This is not the only reason why our dentists in Zug have always avoided using amalgam.

Read less

Different materials – different properties

In dentistry, a basic distinction is made between hard and soft restorations:

  • Soft plastic tooth fillings (resp. formerly amalgam) are primarily used for small damages such as caries defects, while
  • hard restorations such as inlays or onlays made of ceramics (or gold) are considered for larger reconstructions.
Tooth fillings made of plastics and ceramics from your dentist

The biggest “noticeable” difference between ceramics and gold or amalgam is probably its aesthetics. While a ceramic inlay – ideally manufactured with a precise fit using the CEREC 3D® system – can hardly be distinguished visually from natural teeth, a gold inlay or an amalgam filling stands out characteristically. For this reason, “colored” filling materials are usually only used in the back of the jaw, if at all.

Read more

In addition to aesthetics, ceramic also scores with its long durability. On average, ceramic inlays last ten to twelve years before they may need to be replaced. Composite, on the other hand, often lasts a few years less. A gold inlay, on the other hand, is extremely durable – up to 30 years – but is a major cost factor and aesthetically not for everyone.


Amalgam has been a popular material in dentistry for over 100 years, but is also associated with certain health risks: There has been a suspicion for decades that amalgam can cause headaches, vision problems and even depression. At this point, however, it must be mentioned that this suspicion has not yet been scientifically confirmed beyond doubt. Overall, skepticism towards traditional amalgam tooth fillings is increasing for good reasons. This is not the only reason why our dentists in Zug have always avoided using amalgam.

Read less

CAD/CAM technology for the dental practice

CEREC® stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”. Therefore, the abbreviation CEREC® primarily refers to the material used for the production of inlays, onlays and crowns: the high-quality ceramic from which the restoration is made and which visually resembles the natural tooth substance. Ceramic is also particularly compatible and accepted by the body as a natural substance.

The digital process of the CEREC 3D® system is based on CAD/CAM technology, a computer-aided design using a virtual, three-dimensional model. Therefore, your dentists in Zug have a 3D camera and software available to create a model of the restoration with high precision on the computer.

Read more

A scan of teeth and gums is made by your dentist-team with the 3D camera. The software can then recognize which individual characteristics in terms of shape and color characterize the patient’s teeth. This information is transferred to the model so that the finished restoration looks particularly natural and fits seamlessly into the patient’s raw of teeth. In the next step, the digital model is used to mill the restoration out of a solid ceramic block.

Read less

Digital tooth reconstruction from the dentist with CEREC 3D

CAD/CAM technology for the dental practice

CEREC® stands for “Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics”. Therefore, the abbreviation CEREC® primarily refers to the material used for the production of inlays, onlays and crowns: the high-quality ceramic from which the restoration is made and which visually resembles the natural tooth substance. Ceramic is also particularly compatible and accepted by the body as a natural substance.

Digital tooth reconstruction from the dentist with CEREC 3D

The digital process of the CEREC 3D® system is based on CAD/CAM technology, a computer-aided design using a virtual, three-dimensional model. Your dentists in Zug have a 3D camera and software available to create a model of the restoration with high precision on the computer.

Read more

A scan of teeth and gums is made by your dentist-team with the 3D camera. The software can then recognize which individual characteristics in terms of shape and color characterize the patient’s teeth. This information is transferred to the model so that the finished restoration looks particularly natural and fits seamlessly into the patient’s raw of teeth. In the next step, the digital model is used to mill the restoration out of a solid ceramic block.

Read less

What are the advantages of the CEREC® method?

  • Inlays and onlays made with CEREC 3D® are aesthetically and functionally of high quality
  • the strength of the material and its workmanship ensure that the restorations are among the most durable of all
  • unbeatable value for money
  • the so-called “marginal seal” – the distance between the filling and the tooth – is particularly narrow, or in other words: the accuracy of fit is particularly high, which minimizes susceptibility to so-called secondary caries
  • the short treatment duration with just one session that your dentist needed for the entire treatment is unique


Are you wondering whether a CEREC® restoration would be necessary or desirable for you? Do you have any questions about dental treatments in general, ceramic restorations in particular, or would you like an appointment? Contact your dentists in Zug anytime. We will be pleased to provide you with further information!

For a bright & healthy smile!

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