Stomatológ 2026, 36(1):32-36 | DOI: 10.69658/sto.2026.007

CAD/CAM inlay, onlay and overlay restorations in posterior teeth: a practical indication strategy

MDDr. Alexandros Tzigeris, prof. MUDr. Dušan Hirjak, PhD., doc. MUDr. Andrej Thurzo, PhD., MPH, MHA, prof. MUDr. Peter Stanko, PhD.
Klinika stomatológie a maxilofaciálnej chirurgie LF UK a OÚSA, Bratislava, Slovenská republika. Vedúci pracoviska: prof. MUDr. Dušan Hirjak, PhD.

Aim: To provide a practical indication strategy for choosing between CAD/CAM inlay, onlay and overlay restorations in posterior teeth.

Methods: This article is a targeted review based on systematic reviews, clinical studies, experimental research and relevant own experimental experience with CAD/CAM inlay restorations.

Results: Clinical decision-making can be organized into four interconnected domains: remaining

tooth structure, marginal predictability of the digital workflow, adhesive feasibility, and biomechanical-material behaviour of the restoration.

Conclusion: The choice between inlay, onlay and overlay restorations should not be based only on cavity size or material properties, but on the degree of protection required by the remaining tooth structure and on the predictability of the adhesive procedure.

Keywords: CAD, CAM; inlay; onlay; overlay; marginal adaptation; adhesive restoration; biomechanics; cusp coverage

Published: June 1, 2026  Show citation

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Tzigeris A, Hirjak D, Thurzo A, Stanko P. CAD/CAM inlay, onlay and overlay restorations in posterior teeth: a practical indication strategy. Stomatológ. 2026;36(1):32-36. doi: 10.69658/sto.2026.007.
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