Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth that need more support than a filling, while preserving more natural tooth structure than a full crown.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
A conservative way to restore strength and protect your tooth.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that repair damaged or weakened teeth when a standard filling may not be enough.
These restorations are often used when a tooth needs more strength than composite filling material can provide, but does not require a full dental crown. At Bobb Dental at Northgate, inlays and onlays are carefully designed to restore chewing comfort, protect the tooth, and blend naturally with your smile.
More Support Than a Filling
Inlays and onlays can strengthen teeth when the damaged area is too large for a typical filling.
Less Coverage Than a Crown
When appropriate, these restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Natural Appearance
Your restoration is designed to blend with the surrounding tooth for a clean, natural look.
Inlays and onlays help restore strength while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
When They Are Recommended
For teeth that need stronger repair without a full crown.
Inlays and onlays are often recommended when a tooth has damage that is too large for a filling but does not require full crown coverage.
What inlays and onlays can help restore.
These restorations are designed to rebuild damaged areas, protect weakened tooth structure, and help your bite feel comfortable again.
Large Fillings
When a filling would be too large or weak, an inlay or onlay may provide better support.
Worn Teeth
Onlays can help rebuild chewing surfaces that have worn down or become uneven.
Cracked Areas
Depending on the location and severity, an onlay may help protect weakened tooth structure.
Natural Fit
Custom restorations are shaped to fit your tooth, bite, and surrounding smile.
Filling, onlay, or crown?
A consultation helps us determine how much support your tooth needs and which restoration makes the most sense.
Are Inlays or Onlays Right For You?
The right restoration depends on how much tooth structure remains.
Inlays and onlays may be recommended when a tooth needs added strength, but a full crown is not necessary.
Before recommending treatment, we evaluate the size of the damaged area, the remaining healthy tooth structure, your bite, and your long-term oral health. The goal is to choose the most conservative option that still gives the tooth the support it needs.
What To Expect
A precise process for a custom restoration.
Inlays and onlays are designed to fit your tooth carefully, restore function, and protect the remaining structure.
Evaluation
We examine the tooth, review symptoms, and decide whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is best.
Tooth Preparation
The damaged or weakened area is carefully prepared while preserving healthy tooth structure.
Custom Design
Your restoration is designed to fit the prepared tooth and support your natural bite.
Final Placement
The inlay or onlay is secured in place and adjusted for comfort, function, and appearance.
Conservative, custom, and built for strength.
Inlays and onlays can be an excellent middle ground between a filling and a crown, giving your tooth support while preserving more of what is healthy.
Restore and Protect
Ready to strengthen your tooth with a custom inlay or onlay?
If you have a damaged tooth, large filling, or weakened chewing surface, an inlay or onlay may help restore strength while preserving more of your natural tooth.