The Inlay

Indirect restoration that does NOT cover a cusp

When the patient wants the very best esthetic restoration
Longevity better than a direct resin especially when isthmus width>2/3 cusp distance
Usually want a bondable ceramic like emax, empress or feldspathic (not Zirconium)
Better success if floor of box is kept with a band of enamel
Must break contact
Depth 2mm
Width of box 1mm
All walls taper 10 degrees
Isthmus width at least 2mm
Round axial pupal angle
Never bevel margins
Block out undercuts with Flow or RMGI
Inlay preps never have a core

The Onlay
Indirect restoration that does cover at least one cusp but not all cusps
When the patient wants the very best esthetic restoration
Longevity better than a direct resin
Usually want a bondable ceramic (not Zirconium)
Better success if all margins have a band of enamel
Must break contact
Depth 2mm
Width of box 1mm
All walls taper 10 degrees
Isthmus width at least 2mm
Round axial pupal angle
Never bevel margins
Gentle ramp down to box
Block out undercuts
Onlay preps never have a core

The Crownlay (a variation of a crown)

When the patient needs full cusp protection but has healthy axial and cervical tooth structure
A desirable and more conservative alternative to the crown
Preserves 70% more enamel than a conventional crown
Usually want a bondable ceramic (not Zirconium)
Better success if all margins have a band of enamel
Must break contact
Occlusal reduction 1.0-1.5mm in V shape (usually 1.5mm)
Margin on Facial and Lingual kept above HOC
Margin 0.8-1mm wide (sometimes less but never more)
Strong functional cusp bevel
Round nonfunctional cusp
Gentle ramp down to box (very critical)
Usually no need for a core, usually remove all the filling before

The ACC
Standard preparation with intrinsic retention and resistance form
Endo teeth, or very compromised teeth with large cores
Can be a bondable or non-bondable ceramic
If bonded better success if all margins have a band of enamel
Must break contact
Strong functional cusp bevel
Deep V occlusal reduction
Reduction on occlusal 1.5-2mm (unless FCZ then 1-1.5mm)
Margin 0.8-1mm wide (unless FCZ then 0.5mm)
Margin 1mm supra gingival in posterior unless trying to maintain a ferrule or braking proximal contact
Must have a core if not bonding (Zirconium) to build up retention and resistance form