Inlay, Onlay and Overlay are dental prosthetic implants. They are used for the reconstruction of a tooth damaged by caries or trauma and they are similar to usual fillings. They are an excellent alternative to crowns for those who prefer a minimally invasive treatment. An inlay refers to a filling that usually consists of gold, porcelain, or resin that is used to treat a cavity. An inlay is larger than a filling while being smaller than a crown. The difference between an inlay and a filling is that an inlay lies within the cusps on the chewing portion of the tooth. A dental onlay is a restoration that is often used to repair damaged or decayed teeth. Onlays offer a strong and long-lasting reparative solution to tooth decay or similar damage. These restorations provide a host of benefits. to lay or place (one thing) over or upon another. to cover, overspread, or surmount with something. to finish with a layer or applied decoration of something: wood richly overlaid with gold.