Inlays / Onlays

Inlays and onlays are sometimes referred to as partial crowns. An inlay or onlay is like a puzzle piece that will be fitted into the remaining portion of a damaged tooth to help increase its strength. This piece is usually crafted out of porcelain or gold, but can also be made out of a composite material. We’ll figure out which restoration is best in your specific situation.

An inlay is used when there is no damage to the cusps of your tooth. It is placed within the cusps. An onlay is used when there is slightly more damage to the tooth structure. An onlay is placed over at least one of the cusps on the tooth.

Procedure

Often, the procedure can be completed in a single visit. There may be a need for a second visit just to ensure proper fit.

The procedure begins with the removal of any decay in the tooth. In many cases, the restoration can be made using our CEREC® machine which can create a beautiful new inlay or onlay in a matter of minutes!

In other cases, we’ll need to make a dental impression of the tooth. The impression will be sent to our lab where your new restoration will be crafted.

In either case, when the restoration is completed, it will be fitted comfortably into your mouth. We will make every effort to ensure that the new restoration feels exactly like one of your natural teeth. The final step is to cement the inlay or onlay onto your tooth, leaving you with a beautifully restored smile!

To watch a short video about inlays, click the play button.