Inlays & Onlays: Durable, Natural-Looking Restorations
Inlays and onlays, often referred to as partial crowns, are custom-made restorations designed to repair damaged or decayed teeth while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. They are bonded directly onto the tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function, and help prevent further damage.
- An inlay is used when the damage is confined to the area between the cusps (the raised points) of the tooth.
- An onlay is recommended when the damage extends to one or more cusps but doesn’t require a full crown.
The Procedure
- Tooth Preparation: The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed.
- Impression: A mold of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom inlay or onlay will be crafted from porcelain, gold, or composite resin.
- Temporary Restoration: A temporary filling is placed to protect your tooth while your restoration is being made—usually within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Final Placement: At your next appointment, the inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to the tooth using a strong dental adhesive. The restoration is then polished to blend seamlessly with your natural tooth.
Once placed, inlays and onlays are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth, offering both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability.