Inlays & Onlays

The difference lies in coverage: inlays sit inside the biting surface between cusps, while onlays extend over at least one cusp and may cover the entire biting surface. Onlays strengthen the tooth like a partial crown without requiring full coverage.

They are recommended when a cavity or fracture is too large for a composite filling but the tooth still has enough healthy enamel to avoid a full crown—commonly for moderate decay, fractured cusps or to replace large failing fillings.

Common options include tooth‑coloured porcelain or ceramic, durable zirconia, repairable composite resin and classic gold alloys. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the tooth’s location, biting forces, desired aesthetics and budget.

With proper care, inlays and onlays often last 10–20 years or more. Their longevity depends on the material used, your bite forces and oral hygiene. Regular checkups and a night guard if you grind your teeth can help maximise their lifespan.

For moderate damage, yes. They are fabricated outside the mouth for a precise fit, bonded for strength and durability, and preserve more natural tooth than a crown. Large fillings can crack or leak over time, whereas inlays/onlays provide longer‑lasting reinforcement.

At the first visit we remove decay and take a digital scan or impression. A custom restoration is then milled in‑office or fabricated in a laboratory. At the second visit (or same day for CAD/CAM), we try in the piece, adjust the bite and bond it with a durable cement.

Porcelain, ceramic and composite resin restorations are colour‑matched to your teeth and polished to blend seamlessly. Zirconia offers strength with a tooth‑coloured appearance. Gold restorations are visible but offer exceptional durability for back teeth.

The fee typically falls between that of a filling and a crown and depends on material, size and number of surfaces. We’ll provide a personalized estimate at your consultation and discuss financing options.

Many PPO dental plans contribute toward partial crowns when treatment is medically necessary. Coverage varies; please visit our Insurance page or call us at (562) 242‑1411 for details.

Brush twice daily, floss carefully around the margins and avoid very hard or sticky foods—especially during the first 24 hours. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth and attend regular checkups to monitor the restoration.

When enough enamel remains, an onlay can replace a full crown and preserve more of the tooth. However, severely damaged or root‑treated teeth typically require a full‑coverage crown for maximum protection.

Yes. Modern materials such as zirconia, porcelain and gold alloys provide excellent strength for back teeth. When properly designed and bonded, these restorations handle chewing forces on molars and premolars very well.

Complications are uncommon but may include temporary sensitivity, minor fracture or decay around the margins if oral hygiene is poor. Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions and attending regular checkups minimises these risks.

They are designed from digital scans or impressions and milled from a solid block of porcelain, zirconia, composite or cast in gold. Chairside CAD/CAM systems can produce them in a single visit; laboratory‑fabricated restorations require two appointments.