When a tooth is too damaged for a standard filling but doesn’t require a full crown, our team at Advanced Dental Care & Aesthetics offers the ideal middle ground: inlays and onlays. These precision restorations allow us to preserve more of your natural tooth structure while delivering durable, aesthetic results.
An inlay fits within the cusps of the chewing surface of a back tooth — in other words, it restores the interior portion between the raised points of the tooth. Tom River Family Dental+2Goto A Pro+2
An onlay extends over one or more cusps of the tooth or covers a larger portion of the biting surface — sometimes called a “partial crown.” Fitzgerald Dentistry+2Colgate+2
Both are custom-made (often in a dental laboratory or via CAD/CAM technology) and then bonded to your tooth. CareCredit+1
They preserve more of your natural tooth compared to a full crown, meaning less drilling and more of your healthy tooth remains. Tom River Family Dental+1
They are crafted from strong, long-lasting materials (such as porcelain, ceramic, or high-quality composite) which can provide excellent durability and aesthetics. edgewatermoderndentistry.com+1
They are an ideal solution when a filling would be too weak and a crown would be more invasive than necessary. goldenstatedentistry.com+1
Comprehensive examination: We evaluate the tooth, identify the area of damage or decay, and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the right fit.
Tooth preparation: On the first visit, decayed or damaged tissue is removed, the tooth is shaped, and an impression (or digital scan) is taken. A temporary restoration may be placed. Hanin Dental
Custom fabrication: Your inlay or onlay is crafted specifically for your tooth, ensuring optimal fit, strength and appearance.
Final placement: On the second visit, we bond the final restoration, verify the fit, adjust the bite as needed, polish the surface, and you’re ready to go.
Follow-up care: We’ll walk you through care guidelines to protect your restoration and maintain your dental health.
If you have a tooth that:
Has a large or deteriorating filling
Shows cracks or wear across the chewing surface or cusps
Would benefit from a restoration stronger than a filling but less invasive than a crown
Then an inlay or onlay may be the perfect solution. We’ll always review all available options and help you decide based on your goals, budget and the long-term health of your smile.
At Advanced Dental Care & Aesthetics, we combine advanced materials and techniques with personalized patient care. From preserving your natural tooth structure to creating beautifully matched restorations, our goal is to restore both function and aesthetics with comfort and precision.
