A dental onlay is similar to a dental inlay but is used to repair more extensive damage that extends beyond the the bumps on the top of the tooth. An onlay is custom-made to fit the specific shape and size of the damaged area of the tooth and is then bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Dental onlays can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, composite resin, and gold. They are designed to blend in with the natural color of the tooth and can last for many years with proper care. Onlays are often recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling, but not damaged enough to require a full dental crown.