When a tooth has too much damage for a regular filling but not enough to need a full crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. These custom restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing the strength and durability you need.
At Dentistry on 43, we create precisely fitted inlays and onlays right here in our office. These conservative restorations restore your tooth’s function and appearance without removing excess healthy enamel.
An inlay fits within the grooves (cusps) of your tooth, similar to a filling but custom-made in a dental lab. It’s used when damage is contained within the center of the tooth.
An onlay covers one or more cusps of the tooth, extending over a larger area. Sometimes called a “partial crown,” it’s used when damage affects the cusps or a larger portion of the tooth surface.
Both are crafted from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, matched to your tooth color, and bonded directly to your tooth structure for a strong, natural-looking result.
We might suggest an inlay or onlay if you have:
These restorations work particularly well for molars and premolars that handle significant chewing pressure.
The Sweet Spot Think of inlays and onlays as the Goldilocks solution—not too conservative (like fillings) and not too aggressive (like crowns), but just right for moderate damage.
We only remove damaged portions, keeping as much healthy enamel as possible.
Lab-fabricated restorations fit precisely and are stronger than direct fillings, often lasting 20-30 years.
Porcelain and ceramic materials blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Unlike fillings that can weaken over time, inlays and onlays actually strengthen the remaining tooth structure.
Porcelain resists staining better than composite filling material.
The result? A restoration so natural-looking and well-fitted that you’ll forget which tooth was repaired.
Care is simple:
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 20-30 years—significantly longer than traditional fillings.
Inlays and onlays typically cost $1,500-$2,000 per tooth, placing them between fillings and crowns in price. While they cost more than regular fillings upfront, their superior durability and longevity often make them more cost-effective over time.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of inlay and onlay treatment when medically necessary.
We work with most insurance providers and offer financing through Lendcare to make treatment accessible.
During your dental exam, we’ll assess the extent of damage and recommend the most conservative treatment that will adequately restore your tooth. If an inlay or onlay can do the job, we won’t push you toward a more expensive crown.
Our goal is to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while ensuring the restoration lasts. Inlays and onlays deliver on both fronts.
Don’t let moderate tooth damage progress into something more serious. Inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting solution that protects your tooth and looks completely natural.
Call us at (780) 500-1001 or book online to schedule your consultation.
We’ll evaluate your tooth and discuss whether an inlay or onlay is the right choice for your situation.
The difference is in how much of the tooth they cover. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth, similar to a filling but custom-made in a lab. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area—think of it as a partial crown. Your dentist will recommend an inlay or onlay based on the size and location of the damage. Both restore your tooth beautifully; it’s just a matter of how much coverage is needed.
Inlays and onlays are remarkably durable, typically lasting 20-30 years with proper care. This is significantly longer than traditional composite fillings, which last 5-10 years. Porcelain and ceramic inlays/onlays resist wear, staining, and damage exceptionally well. Their longevity makes them a smart long-term investment, often eliminating the need for repeated treatments.
For moderate to large areas of damage, yes. Inlays and onlays are stronger, last longer, and fit more precisely than direct fillings. Because they’re crafted in a lab, they can restore your tooth’s original shape more accurately. They also bond to your tooth in a way that actually strengthens it, unlike large fillings which can weaken the tooth over time. For small cavities, regular fillings work great. For larger restorations, inlays and onlays are often the better choice.
No—we numb the area completely before preparing your tooth, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You might feel some pressure, but the process is comfortable. After the anesthesia wears off, you may have mild sensitivity for a day or two, but this is normal and usually minimal.
Absolutely! We craft inlays and onlays from high-quality porcelain or ceramic materials that mimic your natural tooth enamel’s color, translucency, and sheen. We carefully match the shade to your surrounding teeth, and the precise fit means the restoration blends seamlessly. Most people can’t tell which tooth has been restored—they just look like your natural teeth.
