7034 Hospital Drive, Dublin, OH 43016
The Middle Ground Between Fillings and Crowns
Not every damaged tooth fits neatly into the category of "needs a filling" or "needs a crown." For teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a standard filling but not severe enough to require a full dental crown, inlays and onlays provide a precise, custom-made solution. They restore strength and function while preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
Both inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth, either in a dental lab or through our in-office milling technology, then bonded securely into place. Because they're custom made to fit your tooth's exact shape, they offer a level of precision and durability that goes beyond what a standard filling can typically provide, while still being far less invasive than a full crown.
Ask About Inlays & Onlays
What Sets Inlays and Onlays Apart
Inlays and onlays are closely related restorations, and the difference between them comes down to how much of the tooth's surface they cover. An inlay fits within the grooves on the biting surface of the tooth, between the raised cusps, similar to a filling but made from a stronger, custom-fabricated material rather than placed directly in the mouth. An onlay covers a larger area, extending over one or more of the tooth's cusps, offering more comprehensive protection for teeth with more significant damage.
Both restorations are typically made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, chosen to match the natural shade of your teeth so the repair blends in rather than standing out. Because they're bonded directly to the tooth structure, inlays and onlays also help reinforce the tooth's strength, unlike a crown, which requires reducing more of the natural tooth to make room for a full covering.
Who Is a Candidate for Inlays or Onlays?
Inlays and onlays may be recommended if you have:
- A cavity or area of decay too large for a standard filling to adequately repair
- A tooth with damage that doesn't require the full coverage of a crown
- A cracked or fractured tooth cusp that needs reinforcement rather than complete coverage
- An older filling that has failed or needs to be replaced with a stronger restoration
- A desire to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while still addressing moderate damage
Dr. Dennison will evaluate the extent of damage or decay during your exam to determine whether an inlay, onlay, filling or crown is the most appropriate treatment for your specific tooth.
The Inlay & Onlay Treatment Process
Placing an inlay or onlay is a straightforward process, typically completed over one to two visits depending on how the restoration is fabricated.
Exam and Diagnosis
Preparing the Tooth
Taking an Impression or Digital Scan
Fabricating the Restoration
Bonding the Restoration
Final Polishing
Benefits of Choosing Inlays & Onlays
A dental bridge may be the right solution if you:
- Preserves more natural tooth structure – Unlike a crown, inlays and onlays require less removal of healthy tooth material, keeping more of your natural tooth intact.
- More durable than a standard filling – Custom-fabricated from stronger materials, inlays and onlays hold up better than a filling under the pressure of daily biting and chewing.
- Natural, tooth-colored appearance – Made from tooth-colored materials, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Strengthens the treated tooth – Because they bond directly to the tooth, inlays and onlays can help reinforce its structure rather than simply filling a gap.
- Long-lasting results – With proper care, inlays and onlays typically last longer than traditional fillings before needing replacement.
- A less invasive alternative to a crown – For teeth that don't need full coverage, inlays and onlays offer a more conservative option that still provides lasting strength.
A Precise Solution for a Precise Problem
If a tooth has more damage than a filling can handle but doesn't need the full coverage of a crown, an inlay or onlay may be exactly the restoration you need.
Schedule Your Inlay or Onlay Consultation