When a cavity or fracture is too large for a simple filling but the tooth doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the middle path — a precision-crafted restoration that repairs the damage while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible.
An inlay fits within the cusps (points) of the tooth, like a filling made in a lab. An onlay is more substantial, extending over one or more cusps to rebuild the biting surface. Porcelain is now the most popular material because of its strength and its ability to match your natural tooth color, though gold and composite resin remain options.
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
- Bonded restorations can increase tooth strength by up to 75%
- Lasts 10 to 30 years with normal care
- More conservative than a crown — preserves healthy tooth structure
- Porcelain blends naturally with surrounding teeth
How are inlays and onlays placed?
Treatment takes two appointments. At the first, the old filling or decayed area is removed and the tooth is shaped; an impression is sent to a dental lab where your restoration is custom-fabricated, and a temporary sealant protects the tooth in the meantime. At the second visit, Dr. Kheradmand checks the fit precisely, then bonds the inlay or onlay to the tooth with high-strength resin and polishes it smooth.
Why choose an inlay or onlay over a large filling?
Large traditional fillings can actually weaken a tooth — reducing its strength by up to 50 percent — because they rely on the remaining walls of the tooth for support. Bonded inlays and onlays do the opposite: they reinforce the tooth. When damage isn't extensive enough to justify a full crown, an onlay is often the strongest, most tooth-preserving repair available.
Cost & Financing
Inlays and onlays cost more than a standard filling but less than a crown, and most dental insurance plans cover them as a restorative procedure. We'll verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment begins.
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance — we accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. See our financial policy for details.
Inlays & Onlays: Frequently Asked Questions
How long do inlays and onlays last?
What’s the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Is the procedure painful?
When is a crown better than an onlay?
Related Services
Mercury-free, natural-looking composite fillings that strengthen the tooth as they repair it.
Dental CrownsFull-coverage porcelain restorations that make badly damaged teeth look and work like new.
Preventive Care & CleaningsExams, cleanings, and gum health — the foundation that prevents everything else.