Inlays & Onlays
Conservative restorations that repair damaged teeth while preserving healthy structure.
What to know
Inlays & Onlays, explained.
What it is, how it works and how it helps, in plain words.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for a back tooth that has too much damage for a filling but not enough to need a full crown. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps.
Your dentist removes the decay or old filling and takes an impression or digital scan of the tooth. You may wear a temporary while the inlay or onlay is made from porcelain or composite, and then it's bonded to the tooth and adjusted to your bite.
Because only the damaged part of the tooth is replaced, more of your healthy tooth is preserved than with a crown. Bonded inlays and onlays can strengthen the tooth and hold up to chewing better than a very large filling.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Common questions about inlays & onlays.
An onlay covers only the damaged portion of the chewing surface, while a crown covers the entire tooth. Onlays require less reshaping, so they preserve more natural structure when the damage allows.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are durable and can last many years with good care. Your dentist will check them at regular visits to make sure the edges stay sealed.
Tooth-colored porcelain or composite is matched to your natural teeth, so they blend in. Most people won't be able to tell they're there.
Inlays & Onlays near you.
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Your next visit
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