Inlays & Onlays
Restore damaged teeth with custom inlays and onlays for durability and natural appearance.
Book ConsultationInlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. Fabricated in a dental lab, they fit precisely into or onto the tooth, providing a strong, durable, and natural-looking alternative to traditional fillings or crowns.
Inlays and onlays repair moderate tooth damage when a filling isn’t enough, but a crown isn’t necessary. Custom-made restorations are bonded to the tooth, restoring strength, function, and appearance with durable, natural-looking materials.
Inlays and onlays repair moderate tooth damage that fillings can’t restore. Made of durable porcelain or composite, they strengthen and protect teeth while blending naturally. This conservative treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
An inlay fits within the cusps, or raised points, of a back tooth, an onlay extends over one or more cusps, and a crown covers the entire visible tooth. All three restore teeth that are too damaged for a regular filling. Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns because less healthy tooth structure is removed. Your dentist recommends an option based on how much of the tooth is missing or weakened and the forces it handles when you chew.
Inlays and onlays are durable restorations that often last 10 years or more with good care. Porcelain and composite versions are bonded to the tooth, which helps strengthen the structure that remains. Their lifespan depends on your bite, whether you grind or clench, your diet and your home care. Brushing twice a day, flossing, wearing a night guard if one is recommended and keeping regular checkups help them stay sealed and protect the tooth underneath.
Inlays and onlays typically take two visits. At the first appointment, about 60 minutes, the tooth is numbed, the damaged area is cleaned out, the tooth is shaped and impressions are taken, then a temporary restoration protects it. About two weeks later, a shorter visit of around 30 minutes is used to check the fit and color of your custom restoration and bond it in place. Mild sensitivity or a slight bite adjustment for a few days afterward is common.
An inlay or onlay is often recommended when decay, a fracture or an old filling has damaged too much of a back tooth for a filling to hold up, but enough healthy structure remains that a full crown isn't needed. Large fillings can flex and crack a tooth over time, while a custom bonded restoration helps support the remaining walls. Dr. Sharma examines the tooth and reviews your digital images to recommend a conservative option that fits your needs.
Many dental insurance plans cover inlays and onlays as restorative care, though benefits vary and some plans limit coverage to the cost of a filling. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on the material, the size and number of restorations, and your plan's specifics. SoCal Prime Dentistry verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before treatment. Financing through CareCredit and Sunbit, plus an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance, is also available.
