Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair a tooth when the damage or decay is too extensive for a filling but doesn't require a full crown. Made to fit precisely within or over the chewing surface of a tooth, they restore strength and shape while preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Patients typically consider this option after a cavity has been removed, a cracked filling needs replacement, or a tooth has weakened over time.

How Inlays & Onlays Are Used

Inlays — fit within the cusps (raised points) of the tooth's chewing surface, similar in placement to a filling but made from a more durable material.
Onlays — extend over one or more cusps, covering a larger portion of the tooth when more support is needed.
Material options — can be fabricated to closely match the color of surrounding teeth for a natural appearance.

Planning Your Restoration

Before recommending an inlay or onlay, our dentists evaluate the tooth using digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, allowing you to see the same images and discuss the best path forward together. Our prosthodontists, whose training centers on the restoration of teeth, are well suited to evaluate and provide these restorations as part of a broader restorative treatment plan.

Related Restorative Care

For teeth where an inlay or onlay isn't the right fit, we also offer composite tooth-colored fillings, crowns, and bridges, so your treatment plan can be matched to the specific needs of the tooth.