What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays/onlays are used to repair a blemished tooth and is used as a substitute to fillings or crowns. Inlays/onlays are determined by the area of where they will be placed. Inlays /onlays will be constructed from a single piece custom fitted and made of strong materials and can withstand everyday use such as eating and biting. With proper care and good oral health inlays/onlays will last for along time. 

Inlays/Onlays

An inlay or onlay is in between a crown or a metal filling. These are used if you do not have the proper length of tooth left to support a filling but not adequate enough to insert a crown. An inlay is comparable to a filling but it sits within the biting area cusps. An onlay is more extensive and covers multiple teeth. Ceramics or gold is used for inlays or onlay. These can last for decades dependent on the type you choose the teeth applied to the force of biting and how well the patient takes care of their oral hygiene and regular cleanings. 

Onlays benefits: 

• Onlays are less likely to discolor rather than colored resin filling.
• They allow the conservation of a tooth. 
• Gold or porcelain onlays do not shrink but a composite filling does shrink when it dries. Onlays are custom fitted to your teeth and are easier to clean than a crown. Onlays are stable and strong. 
• Onlays do not require your tooth to be reconstructed to apply the onlay. 

Onlays Can Be A Substitute to Crowns

An onlay is a great substitute to a crown and are considerably more economical than a full crown. The tooth that is acquiring the onlay will be saved as much as possible. It’s also a good option if you have moderate tooth decay spanning into the flossing region. Inlays instead of using amalgam fillings you can now use inlays that will fill your cavities with a material that color matches your tooth. You may also consider filling your existing fillings with inlays to create a practically invisible cosmetic procedure. Inlays are implanted to repair the biting surface of your blemished teeth. Inlays can be created from porcelain or gold.

Creating Your Inlay

The doctor will remove the rotted section of the teeth and create a mold. You will then have a substitute inlay implanted while the inlay is created out of porcelain at the lab. The temp inlay will allow you to comfortably and chew safely. After the inlay is received you will have another treatment to perfectly fit them into place. 

One Day Inlays

Smile Time Dental dentists can create your inlay in a single day. With CEREC technology we can create and mill inlays on site. With this new technology we can create a custom-made inlays/onlays and insert them onto your tooth in question in one appointment. If you or your loved one is interested in onlays or inlays contact us for an appointment questions or concerns.

Check out our complete list of services, such as CEREC, Crown Lengthening, Dental Implants, Emergency Dental Care, Extractions, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers, Root Canals, Teeth Cleaning and Zoom Whitening. Call us to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.

Q: How long do inlays and onlays last?

A: Inlays and Onlays are made in house and can last up to 30 years.

Q: What is an onlay and inlay?

A: An inlay is used to fill an old filling and fits inside the cusp tips. An onlay extends over the cusps of the tooth.

Q: What is a composite inlay or onlay?

A: This is an alternative material to ceramic and gold inlay and onlay.

Q: How are onlays and inlays applied?

A: This procedure requires one appointment to prep the teeth, create a bite impression and apply a sealant.  The next appointment the inlay or onlay would be applied to the tooth in question.

Q: How do I get an appointment?

A: You can Call Us or Make An Appointment Online