Inlays & Onlays
Conservative restorations that preserve more of your natural tooth.
Inlays & Onlays Explained
Inlays and onlays are restorations that fall between fillings and crowns in size and purpose. At Wilson Dental Associates, we use inlays and onlays to repair teeth that have damage too large for a traditional filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. Made from porcelain, gold, or composite materials and fabricated outside the mouth, they offer a more durable and conservative restoration option than large fillings while preserving more natural tooth structure than crowns.
The difference between inlays and onlays is the area they cover. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of a back tooth, similar to a filling but made in a lab for a more precise fit. An onlay covers one or more cusps in addition to the area between them, extending up over the chewing surface to protect a more significantly damaged tooth. Onlays are sometimes called partial crowns because they protect a substantial portion of the tooth without covering the entire visible surface like a full crown.
Modern inlays and onlays are typically made from porcelain or zirconia, which look natural and bond strongly to the tooth. The procedure usually takes two visits: the first for tooth preparation and impression, the second for placement of the lab-made restoration. Some practices offer same-day inlays and onlays using CEREC or similar in-office milling technology. With proper care, inlays and onlays typically last 15 to 30 years, often outlasting traditional fillings significantly while preserving more natural tooth than crowns require.
How Treatment Works
Evaluate
We examine the tooth, take X-rays, and determine whether an inlay, onlay, or different restoration is the best choice based on the extent of damage.
Prepare
Under local anesthesia, decay or damage is removed and the tooth is shaped to receive the restoration, then impressions or digital scans are taken.
Fabricate
A custom inlay or onlay is made in a dental lab from porcelain, zirconia, or composite material to fit precisely.
Place
The custom restoration is bonded permanently to the tooth, restoring full strength, function, and natural appearance.
Inlays & Onlays Approach
When a tooth has damage that's too large for a filling but doesn't truly need a crown, many dentists default to a crown anyway because it's faster and more familiar. At Wilson Dental Associates, we believe in matching the restoration to the actual damage. An inlay or onlay preserves significantly more of your natural tooth structure than a crown while providing comparable strength and longevity for medium-sized restorations.
We work with experienced dental labs to fabricate restorations that fit precisely and look natural. For onlays especially, where a portion of the tooth is replaced, we focus on color matching and proper anatomy so the restored tooth looks indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth. We also discuss the trade-offs between inlays, onlays, and crowns honestly so you can make an informed decision about which restoration is right for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident before your appointment.
