Onlay Inlay Overlay
Dental Lab
- 10+ years experience for China dental lab outsourcing services
- Processing 10,000 dental cases each month
- 4 days Turnround time
- 5 years warranty support
Raytops Onlay Inlay Overlay Dental
- Inlays: Perfect for smaller defects, inlays are used to repair areas within the cusps of a tooth, offering a precise and durable solution.
- Onlays: Covering one or more cusps, onlays are ideal for larger restorations, providing added strength while maintaining the tooth’s integrity.
- Overlays: Offering full coverage of the entire crown surface, overlays are an excellent option for patients who need extensive repair but want to avoid a full crown.
Raytops ensures every restoration is crafted with precision and care, using advanced technology and materials to deliver long-lasting durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Our minimally invasive approach allows patients to maintain tooth strength and enjoy a natural, healthy smile.
Onlays
Precision-milled internal restorations designed to replace localized dentin loss without disturbing intact cusps. Requires exact prep walls and smooth margin transitions for long-term stability. inlays are used to repair areas within the cusps, offering a precise and durable solution.
Use Case: Small-to-moderate Class I or II posterior defects; conservative caries removal where occlusal enamel is preserved
Key Benefit: Allows structural preservation with clean bonding surface and minimal chairside prep
Recommended For: Private clinics or general practitioners focusing on minimally invasive restorative workflows
Inlays
Partial coverage restorations that replace one or more cusps without extending into a full crown prep. Onlays demand careful occlusal design and transition zone definition — especially when functional load is involved.
Use Case: Endodontically treated teeth with weakened buccal/lingual cusps; cusp fracture repair without complete crown coverage
Key Benefit: Restores strength without over-prepping — ideal for premolars and molars under moderate force
Recommended For: Restorative dentists, DSOs, and partner labs needing consistent occlusal fit and esthetic posterior solutions
Overlays
Full occlusal coverage restorations extending beyond cusps, often engaging marginal ridges or covering ¾ of the coronal surface. Overlays are commonly used as an alternative to full crowns when structural conservation is still feasible.
Use Case: Severe occlusal wear, post-bruxism reconstructions, or transitional restorations in vertical dimension adjustments
Key Benefit: Distributes occlusal load across a broader surface without sacrificing remaining healthy structure
Recommended For: Complex case dentists, full-mouth rehab workflows, or labs supporting functional prosthetics with layered material options
Inlays. Onlays. Overlays. Lab-Crafted for Fit, Strength, and Longevity.
Restoring Function, Conserving Structure – Partial Coverage Restorations that Work
At Raytops, we treat inlays, onlays, and overlays not as commodity units — but as precision restorations that demand surgical-level fit, occlusal balance, and long-term reliability.
Unlike full crowns, these partial restorations rely on the exact prep margin, contact contour, and material compatibility to perform as intended. Our lab teams are trained to approach them with conservative design logic, millimeter control, and clear communication.
🧩 What We Deliver
Inlays
Internal restorations replacing lost dentin or minor occlusal damage, with minimal cusp involvement.Onlays
Covering one or more cusps without full crown coverage, ideal for strengthening weakened structures while conserving tooth bulk.Overlays
Extended coverage designs that restore full occlusal anatomy with peripheral engagement — often used as crown alternatives in conservative workflows.
Each restoration type is manufactured using pressable ceramics (e.g. IPS E.Max), CAD/CAM milled zirconia, or composite blocks based on case needs. Designs are adapted for bonding, cementation, or traditional seating protocols.
✅ Why Raytops for Inlay/Onlay/Overlay Cases?
Tight Fit, Minimal Adjustment
Margin seal and interproximal contact are pre-optimized based on scan detail or die model, reducing chairside adjustment time.Design Logic for Longevity
Our technicians consider prep wall angles, cusp height, and occlusal contact zones during CAD design — improving stress distribution and resistance form.Material Flexibility
From high-translucency lithium disilicate to monolithic zirconia, we match material to case requirements — including bruxism cases or posterior wear zones.Collaborative Case Review
For overlay cases with uncertain prep depth or functional load, we offer design previews and margin flagging prior to fabrication.
Material Types & Comparison
Material Matters – Selecting the Right Option for Strength, Seal, and Longevity
Inlays, onlays, and overlays are small in size but high in clinical risk when material choice is off. These restorations rely on precise margins, bond integrity, and occlusal load management — all of which are directly affected by material behavior.
At Raytops, we match each restoration to its clinical challenge. Below is a comparison of the primary materials we use:
🔍 Material Comparison Chart
| Material Type | Flexural Strength | Minimum Thickness | Translucency | Esthetic Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPS E.Max (lithium disilicate) | ~400 MPa | 1.0 mm (occlusal) | High | Layered or monolithic | Onlays, overlays in esthetic zones |
| Zirconia (monolithic) | >900 MPa | 0.7–1.0 mm | Moderate | Stain only | Overlays for posterior strength |
| Hybrid Composite (e.g., VITA Enamic) | ~150–180 MPa | 0.8 mm | Moderate | Limited layering | Inlays in low-force zones |
| Resin Nano-Ceramics (e.g., Lava Ultimate) | ~200 MPa | 0.8 mm | Moderate | Polishable gloss | Temporary or transitional overlays |
🧩 Clinical Guidance from the Lab
For conservative inlays in non-load-bearing areas: We often recommend hybrid or resin-ceramic blocks, as they mill cleanly and are easier to adjust. Ideal for single cusp preservation.
For molar onlays requiring durability and esthetics: Layered or monolithic E.Max works best when esthetics matter; zirconia is ideal when biting force is a concern.
For full occlusal overlays (especially in bruxism cases): We suggest monolithic zirconia with edge reinforcement and pre-occlusal mapping. If vertical dimension needs adjustment, layered zirconia can provide better contouring.
🧠 Lab Tip: Always let us know your prep clearance and margin thickness. For cases with <1 mm occlusal space, we’ll automatically evaluate material feasibility before fabrication.
Dental lab Digital Workflow
Digital Workflows for Partial Restorations – Where Precision Starts with the Prep
Inlays, onlays, and overlays don’t tolerate guesswork. Margins are tighter, walls are shorter, and occlusion must be built into the design from the start.
At Raytops, we’ve developed a specialized workflow for partial coverage restorations — whether the data starts from a scan or a silicone impression.
🧩 Step-by-Step: From Scan to Chairside Fit
Data Intake & Verification
Accepting STL/PLY files from 3Shape, Medit, iTero, Carestream, and others
For traditional impressions, high-resolution die models are poured and optically scanned
Margin line visibility and prep clearance are auto-flagged by our CAD system
CAD Design & Occlusion Logic
Margin tracing performed under 20x digital magnification
Cusp morphology and occlusal pathways designed with opposing arch simulation
Internal relief space set per cement type (resin vs. glass ionomer vs. adhesive systems)
CAM Milling or Pressing
Monolithic zirconia or hybrid ceramics milled with edge reinforcement
IPS E.Max pressed using high-precision wax patterns or milled from pre-pressed blocks
Milling tools calibrated for deep internal angles typical of Class II inlay designs
Finishing & Contact Optimization
Contact points are checked on printed antagonist models (or virtual occlusion)
Surface polish or stain-glaze finish applied depending on clinical material request
Margins are sealed, beveled, and QC’d under microscope before packaging
Packaging & Documentation
Each unit shipped with labeled contact zones and material ID
Optional delivery with bonding protocol summary (by material type)
Fit model available upon request for pre-seat verification
✅ What Makes Our Workflow Different?
Margin Clarity is Mandatory
We pre-review every case. If the prep lacks smooth margins or has undercuts, we notify and suggest adjustments before proceeding.Occlusion is Not Assumed
Even for single units, we simulate opposing forces to avoid high contact points that lead to chairside grinding or fracture.Bonding-Aware Design
Different materials require different internal angles and spacing. We design restorations with your preferred cementation protocol in mind.Prep-Driven Case Control
For overlays and deep onlays, we’ll confirm if your occlusal reduction is sufficient — before you get a restoration that doesn’t seat.
🧠 Lab Tip: For faster and safer results, include a bite scan + prep photos (especially occlusal & interproximal) with every case. It helps us design better contact transitions and avoid common remakes.
Customization - Product Fits Reference
Customization Where It Matters – Occlusion, Margin, and Material Synergy
With partial coverage restorations, customization isn’t about cosmetic design — it’s about fit, force, and function. At Raytops, we don’t apply generic occlusal anatomy. We build restorations around your prep, your contacts, and your case-specific needs.
🦷 Occlusal Design Adapted to Each Patient
Functional Path Modeling: We simulate occlusal movement using antagonist scans or pre-op bite records to avoid high points and interference
Cusp Height Control: Onlays and overlays are adapted to patient-specific vertical clearance and guidance planes
Wear Pattern Matching: For rehab cases, we can replicate patient’s existing wear profile to maintain proprioception or occlusal memory
Disclusion Angles Adjustments: For canine-guided or group function occlusion, we modify inclines accordingly
📐 Margin + Internal Geometry Customization
Bonding Channel Design: Internal surfaces are adapted for adhesive flow, with micro-retention zones for hybrid ceramic and composite cases
Deep Box Optimization: In Class II inlays, we build “smooth drop zones” to avoid tight margins that compromise seating
Undercut Resolution: When impressions or scans include non-ideal geometry, we adjust designs to ensure insertion path feasibility
Margin Typing: Finish lines are adapted to labial chamfer, shoulder, or bevel per prep type and material selected
🎨 Client-Specific Protocol Storage
Preferred Cusp Style: If you use flattened occlusal anatomy or conservative cusp tips, we replicate that case to case
Standard Cement Gap Settings: Stored per clinic or partner lab, based on your preferred cement type
Consistent Morphology Across Teams: For DSO clients, we ensure veneer, onlay, and overlay morphology matches clinic-wide standards
Pre-Surface Finishing Requests: We offer matte, high-gloss, or stain-glazed finish — noted per account
🧠 Lab Tip: Tell us if your patient is a bruxer, or if vertical dimension has been altered. We’ll reinforce margins, modify inclination, or suggest material shifts accordingly — before failure happens.
Clinical Applications & Indications
Where Partial Coverage Restorations Deliver Best – And How We Make Them Work
Not every tooth needs a crown. Onlays, inlays, and overlays are often the smarter choice — but only when prep, material, and design are aligned. At Raytops, we support a wide range of clinical indications with workflow-proven lab coordination.
🧩 Common Clinical Use Cases
| Indication Type | Recommended Restoration | Lab Notes & Support Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Class II MOD with cusp involvement | Onlay | Ensure cusp coverage >1.5mm; we will reinforce occlusal design zone |
| Old amalgam replacement | Inlay or Onlay | We recommend full margin photos; helps avoid gray show-through under e.Max |
| Fractured cusp (non-vital tooth) | Overlay | Use stump shade + vertical clearance data for material choice (zirconia or pressed) |
| Post-endodontic posterior | Onlay or Overlay | We simulate internal taper and wall angle to reduce dislodgement risk |
| Abrasion/erosion with flattened occlusion | Overlay | Occlusal guidance is simulated from opposing bite scan; we match worn morphology |
| Temporary full coverage alternative | Overlay | Request patient age + wear pattern; we can design for transitional VDO (vertical dimension of occlusion) adjustment |
🛠 Cases We Commonly Pre-Review
Deep margins near gingiva – We’ll alert for insufficient clearance or lack of smooth emergence
Unclear proximal box definition – We request prep refinements or will build adaptive seating flares
No bite scan for posterior overlay – We’ll flag occlusal contact zones and request occlusal map reference
Bruxism without disclosed risk – If contact zone shows heavy wear, we’ll propose switch to reinforced zirconia or advise cusp reduction
🤝 Collaboration That Improves Outcomes
For full-arch posterior overlays, we can provide sequencing suggestions (split delivery, quadrant delivery)
When shade matching is requested for posterior esthetics, we mimic natural fissure staining and light deflection
If the case is part of a transitional treatment plan, we can deliver multiple prototypes for chairside testing
🧠 Lab Tip: Even in molar zones, esthetics matter — if the restoration sits next to a natural cusp. Let us know your patient’s expectation, and we’ll finish accordingly (matte / natural / gloss).
Product & Material Selection Guide
Which Partial Restoration Fits Your Case Best? Let’s Simplify the Selection
Choosing between an inlay, onlay, or overlay — and the right material for each — doesn’t need to be a guessing game. At Raytops, we help our partners identify the best solution based on prep geometry, occlusion pattern, esthetic needs, and restoration goals.
Here’s a quick guide based on what we see in the lab daily:
🔄 Restoration Type by Clinical Scenario
| Scenario / Objective | Recommended Option | Reasoning from Lab Side |
|---|---|---|
| Small-to-moderate caries, no cusp loss | Inlay | Internal restoration, ideal for structural conservation |
| One or more weakened cusps, but crown not needed | Onlay | Covers compromised structure while preserving tooth bulk |
| Extensive wear, fractured cusp, or high-load molar | Overlay | Covers full occlusal surface, redistributes biting force |
🧪 Material Selection by Case Requirement
| Case Factor | Go With… | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| High esthetic expectation (visible molar) | Layered E.Max | Blends best with adjacent enamel, polishable finish |
| Bruxism history or heavy occlusion | Monolithic Zirconia | Superior fracture resistance, reduced wear risk |
| Prep space <1mm | Zirconia / Hybrid | Allows thinner wall without sacrificing integrity |
| Transitional or temp prosthetics | Nano-ceramic | Easier to adjust chairside, cost-effective repeatability |
| Stump discoloration present | Zirconia | High-opacity material masks underlying color |
🧩 Ask Yourself Before Choosing
Does the prep preserve at least one intact cusp? → Consider Onlay
Is the case esthetically sensitive (even posterior)? → Tell us; we’ll adjust stain/glaze accordingly
Is occlusal clearance <1 mm? → We’ll run a design feasibility check before starting
Is the restoration replacing an old filling? → Send us a pre-op image; we’ll help classify ideal margin coverage
🧠 Lab Tip: For high-function zones, choose material first, restoration second. We’ll help reshape the design to suit both.
Why Partner with Raytops？
Why Work With Raytops for Inlays, Onlays, and Overlays? Because Fit Isn’t Optional.
Partial coverage restorations succeed or fail by the millimeter — and our job is to make sure you never have to second-guess the seat, the margin, or the occlusion.
At Raytops, these restorations are not treated as “simple back teeth” — they’re built with crown-level precision and a collaborative mindset that prevents rework and streamlines your chairside experience.
🎯 What Sets Raytops Apart
✅ 1. Precision as Standard
Margins sealed with 20x digital magnification and microscope QC
Interproximal contacts calibrated to your scan or model system
High seat success rate with minimal chairside adjustment
✅ 2. Occlusion That’s Designed, Not Assumed
Functional paths modeled using opposing scans or bite records
Occlusal anatomy customized per case — not from template libraries
Bruxism and altered VDO cases flagged and reinforced during CAD design
✅ 3. Flexibility Without Compromise
Compatible with full-digital or traditional workflows
Accepts STL, PLY, or analog impressions — we adjust accordingly
Multi-material support: e.Max, zirconia, hybrid ceramic, resin-based
✅ 4. Speed + Stability
Digital turnaround in 3–5 working days
Layered or complex designs in 6–7 days
Remake rate under 2.5%, with case screening and early flagging protocols
🔍 How We Reduce Remakes & Save Time
Every case is intake-screened for margin readability, undercut risk, and prep clearance
We alert you before problems — not after fabrication
We store preferences for repeat clients (cement gap, anatomy style, contacts) to ensure consistency
We offer seat-model options upon request for fast verification
🧠 Real Lab Impact:
“After switching to Raytops for posterior onlays, we saw 30% less chairside grinding. More first-seat fits, fewer occlusal surprises.”
— Partner Clinic, UK
Real Cases. Real Results.
What Our Partners Say – When Precision Matters, So Does the Lab
Inlay, onlay, and overlay restorations leave no room for misfit. Our clients choose us because they need a partner who can deliver sealed margins, spot occlusal conflicts early, and avoid unnecessary chairside delays.
🇺🇸 Private Practice | Texas, USA
Case: Zirconia overlay for a second molar with deep cusp fracture
Challenge: Limited vertical clearance and non-vital tooth; previous crown failed due to over-reduction
Raytops Solution:
Flagged prep thickness risk based on STL scan
Designed reinforced monolithic overlay with functional slope control
Delivered under 0.8 mm occlusal thickness — seated with no adjustments
🗣 “We saved the tooth without overprepping. That overlay fit like it belonged there.”
— Dr. M.R., Restorative Dentist
🇩🇪 Group Practice | Berlin, Germany
Case: 4-unit posterior onlay series in e.Max for a VDO rebuild
Challenge: Inter-unit consistency and occlusal plane harmony
Raytops Solution:
Synchronized contacts and functional paths using full-arch bite scan
Pre-mounted delivery on 3D printed model
Final restorations stained and finished to match age-worn occlusal anatomy
🗣 “The bite was spot-on. We didn’t need to reshape a single contact.”
— Clinical Coordinator, DSO Group Germany
🇸🇦 Partner Lab | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Case: High-opacity onlay for a dark-stump molar with esthetic priority
Challenge: Patient refused full crown; conventional e.Max failed to mask
Raytops Solution:
Switched to multilayer zirconia
Applied dual-zone staining and adjusted contact points for direct cementation
Restoration blocked stump color fully and matched adjacent anatomy
🗣 “Raytops is our go-to when precision is non-negotiable. They pre-check everything before milling.”
— Technical Lead, Partner Lab
🧠 Lab Insight: Most remakes in posterior inlays and onlays come from unverified margins and under-simulated occlusion. We catch both — and clients stay with us because of it.
Certifications & Regulatory Assurance
Global Compliance, Local Confidence – Documentation That Supports Your Workflow
Whether you’re a private dentist in the EU, a group clinic in North America, or a distributor managing import flow, you need more than a good fit — you need confidence that your restorations are fully compliant, properly documented, and traceable.
At Raytops, we don’t just ship restorations — we deliver regulatory-ready solutions, backed by material certifications, process standards, and international testing data.
✅ Certifications We Operate Under
ISO 13485
Full quality management system for medical device manufacturing, covering lab processes, material control, and risk traceability.CE (MDR-Compliant)
Our onlays, inlays, and overlays are manufactured in compliance with EU MDR 2017/745, registered as Class II medical devices.FDA Device Listing (USA)
All ceramic and zirconia-based indirect restorations are registered and listed with the U.S. FDA, with compliant IFU and UDI traceability.SGS & 3rd Party Lab Reports
Periodic third-party testing for physical strength (MPa), thermal behavior, and biocompatibility of materials used.
📦 What We Provide per Shipment (On Request)
Material batch traceability reports (block ID, alloy certificate, lot #)
Certificate of origin and HS code documents
EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
FDA listing statement for customs entry
IFU (Instructions for Use) and labeling in English or localized version
Optional: Labelling with client brand for OEM programs
🌍 Trusted by Distributors, DSO Procurement Teams, and Export-Focused Labs
Fast customs clearance support (Asia → US/EU/Australia)
Pre-shipment documentation pre-check available for import-sensitive markets
OEM/private label programs fully supported with localized language and documentation
🧠 Lab Tip: Let us know your destination country before first shipment — we’ll prepare the right combination of files and labels based on your registration or import requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions – Inlay, Onlay & Overlay Cases with Raytops
❓ What file types do you accept for inlay/onlay/overlay restorations?
We accept STL, PLY, and OBJ formats from all major intraoral scanners, including iTero, 3Shape, Medit, Carestream, and more. For analog impressions, we scan the poured model in-house.
❓ What’s the minimum prep thickness you can handle?
E.Max: 1.0 mm occlusal
Zirconia: as low as 0.7 mm, depending on span and contact
Hybrid ceramics: 0.8 mm and above
We’ll flag any sub-minimum clearance issues before milling.
❓ Do I need to send a bite scan?
Strongly recommended — especially for overlays or onlays involving occlusal contacts. It helps us simulate function and prevent high spots.
❓ Can you help me decide whether to use an onlay or full crown?
We don’t make clinical decisions, but if your prep is borderline (e.g., weak cusp support), we can flag it and suggest you review for possible full coverage.
❓ What’s your remake policy?
We offer remake support on cases where margin visibility or prep was sufficient but seating failed due to lab-side error. Our remake rate is under 2.5% due to rigorous intake checks.
❓ Do you offer seat models?
Yes — on request, we provide 3D printed fit models for pre-seating verification or mock-ups. Useful for full arch overlays or DSO cross-check protocols.
❓ Can you match my existing onlay shape or occlusal style?
Yes. For returning clients, we store anatomy style, cement gap, contact preferences, and finishing protocols. That helps maintain consistency across multiple units or phases.
❓ What about packaging and documentation?
Each case is delivered with clear labeling (unit type, material, quadrant), optional bonding guide, and traceable material code. OEM labels available for partner labs.
🧠 Lab Tip: When in doubt, send us prep photos and a quick case note. We’ll let you know if we see undercuts, missing contact references, or questionable clearance — before it becomes a problem.
Trends & Future Outlook in Implant Restorations
What’s Next in Partial Coverage Restorations? Here’s What We’re Seeing.
As a global dental lab serving clinicians across diverse workflows, we see trends not just in materials — but in how restorations are prescribed, prepared, and delivered. Here’s where inlays, onlays, and overlays are heading — and how we’re adapting.
🔄 1. Full Digital Adoption – Even for Conservative Preps
We’re seeing a growing shift toward:
Digital-only workflows for even small inlay/onlay cases
Greater confidence in intraoral scans to capture shallow margins
Clinics using AI-assisted prep evaluation before file submission
🧠 Lab response: Our CAD team is trained to handle micro-prep margin tracing from 3Shape/iTero data without needing physical models.
🦷 2. Prep-Driven Design Philosophy is Back
Dentists and labs are moving away from “template-driven” molar anatomy and toward:
True occlusion-matching design
Customizing internal geometry based on cementation plan
Treating each onlay as structurally strategic, not cosmetic
🧠 Lab response: We store and match preferred prep angles, cusp heights, and disclusion paths for repeat clients or group protocols.
🧪 3. Multi-Material Hybridization is Becoming Mainstream
Rather than all-zirconia or all-ceramic, clinics are:
Using zirconia in molars, E.Max in bicuspids for esthetics
Trying composite-overlays for transitional occlusion setups
Mixing full contour + cut-back in layered posterior zones
🧠 Lab response: We offer split-material orders across quadrants, including clear labeling and occlusion staging upon delivery.
🌍 4. Lab-Clinician Feedback Loops are Tightening
Fast-growing DSOs and tech-forward clinics now want:
Case feedback loops with labs (what seated well, what didn’t)
Structured preferences storage (contact, margin, polish)
Seamless back-and-forth for questionable scans
🧠 Lab response: Raytops offers digital feedback tracking, remake audit logs, and design previews for complex overlay cases.
📈 Final Takeaway
Inlay, onlay, and overlay cases are no longer “simpler restorations.” They are smaller restorations with greater precision demand — and they require a lab that treats them accordingly.
At Raytops, we’ve built our partial restoration workflow to meet that demand — one margin, one contact, one cusp at a time.
