A restoration replacing at least two cusps of a tooth, made outside the mouth.
Making an overlay is one of the procedures of restorative dentistry. The aim is to restore the function and appearance of the tooth. An overlay replaces at least two cusps, but most often the entire chewing surface of the tooth. Like an inlay and an onlay, the restoration is made outside the mouth and then fitted and fixed onto the prepared tooth.
Overlays are most often made of ceramic, but light-cured composite materials or precious metals such as gold can also be used. However, ceramic looks the most natural in the mouth and has excellent mechanical properties, high resistance and a long lifespan. Unlike a “classic” crown, there is no need to grind down the whole tooth.
This method is therefore much gentler on your teeth. As with inlays and onlays, thorough oral hygiene is also needed with an overlay.
