Cosmetic Dentistry
Inlays & Onlays
Custom-fitted restorations that repair damaged teeth while preserving more of your natural structure.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for a tooth damaged by decay or a crack. We use them when a regular filling isn’t strong enough but a full crown would take off more healthy tooth than necessary. An inlay fits inside the cusps, the raised points on the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more of those cusps.
The space between a filling and a crown
A filling is placed and shaped right in the tooth. It works well for small and medium cavities. Larger ones are harder, since a big filling can leave the remaining walls of the tooth thin and more likely to crack. Inlays and onlays are made to fit from tooth-colored porcelain or composite, then bonded in place. That lets them restore strength without covering the whole tooth.
We like them for one reason: they keep more of your natural tooth.
A patient we’ll call Dana, as an example only, has a large old filling in a lower molar that is starting to break down at the edges. One cusp is weak, but the rest of the tooth is solid. An onlay would replace the filling, cover the weak cusp, and leave the healthy parts alone. A crown would also work, but it would mean trimming sound tooth on every side.
How we decide, and what the visits look like
At your exam we look closely at how much healthy tooth remains and recommend the least invasive option that will last. Sometimes that turns out to be a filling, and we’ll tell you so. If an inlay or onlay makes sense, it usually takes a couple of visits. We prepare the tooth and take an impression or digital scan, then fit and bond the finished restoration at a follow-up, checking your bite so it feels comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
- How are inlays and onlays different from a crown?
- A crown covers the entire tooth, while inlays and onlays repair only the damaged portion. That means we can often keep more of your healthy natural tooth intact — which is why we consider them before recommending a full crown.
- When would I need an inlay or onlay instead of a filling?
- They're a good middle ground when a cavity or crack is too large for a standard filling to hold well, but the tooth is still healthy enough that a full crown would be more than necessary.
- What are inlays and onlays made of?
- They're typically made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite that's shaped to match your tooth. The result blends in naturally and is designed to be strong and long-lasting.
- How long do they last?
- With good home care and regular checkups, well-fitted inlays and onlays can last many years. We'll show you how to care for the restored tooth so it holds up over time.