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Unlike full crowns, overlays are more conservative, preserving healthy tooth tissue while still covering the entire biting surface, including one or more cusps. They’re ideal for molars and premolars that need reinforcement but don’t require full encasement. Overlays can be crafted from high-strength ceramics, offering excellent durability and aesthetics.

The procedure involves minimal tooth preparation, followed by a digital scan or impression to capture the tooth’s shape. The custom overlay is then fabricated in a dental lab or milled chairside using CAD/CAM technology.

Once ready, it’s bonded to the tooth with adhesive resin, restoring function and appearance while maintaining structural integrity. Overlays are especially useful in cases where a filling would be insufficient but a crown would be excessive—striking a balance between strength and conservation.