Precision Restorations for Stronger, Healthier Smiles
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a precise, lasting alternative. These restorations repair decay and reinforce the tooth’s structure while maintaining a natural look and feel.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Newton, we design custom inlays and onlays that strengthen your teeth, restore comfort, and preserve as much of your natural enamel as possible. Using advanced technology and fine craftsmanship, each restoration is made to fit your bite perfectly and blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
Our goal is simple: to protect your natural smile while ensuring every restoration feels comfortable and looks completely natural.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to repair teeth that have sustained moderate damage or decay. Both are fabricated to fit the unique contours of your tooth and restore strength where it’s needed most.
An inlay fits within the cusps (raised edges) of a tooth’s chewing surface, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to provide additional reinforcement. They are often called “partial crowns” because they deliver the strength of a crown while preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we create inlays and onlays that combine durability with aesthetic harmony. Each restoration is precisely shaped, colored, and bonded to create a smooth, long-lasting result that feels like natural enamel.
When Inlays or Onlays Are Recommended
Dr. Whiteman may recommend an inlay or onlay when a filling is no longer strong enough but a crown would be more treatment than necessary. Common situations include:
- Moderate tooth decay that weakens the structure but hasn’t reached the root
- Fractures or cracks in a tooth’s chewing surface
- Replacement of old fillings that have failed or worn out
- Damage from grinding or wear that affects strength and shape
These restorations are ideal for preserving healthy enamel and preventing future damage. Instead of reshaping the entire tooth, we remove only the compromised portion, keeping the rest intact and stable.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer multiple benefits for both appearance and oral health:
1. Exceptional Strength
Bonded securely to the tooth using high-strength dental resin, inlays and onlays reinforce the remaining structure and resist wear from chewing and pressure.
2. Precise Fit
Each restoration is custom-designed using digital imaging to match your tooth’s unique anatomy. The result is a seamless fit that restores natural shape and function.
3. Preservation of Natural Tooth Structure
Unlike crowns, which require reshaping the entire tooth, inlays and onlays remove only the damaged areas. This conservative approach maintains more of your original enamel.
4. Long-Term Durability
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last between 10 and 30 years, offering reliable protection and performance.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin, these restorations blend beautifully with your natural enamel, leaving no visible line between restoration and tooth.
Inlays and onlays are often the preferred choice for patients who value both function and appearance. They deliver the durability of a crown while maintaining the beauty of a natural tooth.
The Inlay and Onlay Process at Whiteman Dental Associates
We focus on precision, comfort, and efficiency throughout every stage of your treatment. Thanks to our in-office technology and careful craftsmanship, many restorations can be completed in just one visit.
Step 1: Evaluation and Diagnosis
Your appointment begins with a detailed examination and digital imaging. This helps us determine the extent of decay or damage and decide whether an inlay or onlay is the most appropriate solution.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Once the area is numbed, we remove the decayed or weakened portion of the tooth, taking care to preserve as much healthy structure as possible.
Step 3: Digital Scanning and Design
We use an optical scanner to capture a 3D image of your tooth. This allows us to design your restoration digitally with exact dimensions for a perfect fit.
Step 4: Crafting the Restoration
Using advanced milling technology, your inlay or onlay is carved from a high-quality block of porcelain, composite, or gold. Each piece is then refined and shaded to match your natural tooth color.
Step 5: Bonding and Polishing
Once ready, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive resin. We then polish it to a smooth, natural finish that blends perfectly with your bite.
This process restores both strength and aesthetics, creating a restoration that feels as natural as it looks.
Materials Used for Inlays and Onlays
Whiteman Dental Associates offers a range of materials based on your needs, preferences, and budget:
- Porcelain: The most popular choice for its strength and natural translucency. Porcelain inlays and onlays mimic the look of real enamel.
- Composite Resin: Tooth-colored and affordable, composite is ideal for patients seeking a conservative, aesthetic solution.
- Gold: Extremely durable and ideal for molars that endure heavy biting pressure. Though less common aesthetically, gold remains one of the longest-lasting materials available.
Each material is carefully selected to provide the best balance between durability, comfort, and visual appeal.
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are easy to maintain with consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits. To keep them looking and functioning their best:
- Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day, paying attention to the edges of the restoration.
- Avoid biting down on ice or very hard foods.
- Visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups.
Because these restorations bond tightly to the tooth, they resist staining and wear well over time. With proper care, they can last for decades without losing their natural appearance.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for Inlays and Onlays
At Whiteman Dental Associates, every inlay and onlay is treated as a work of precision. Our approach combines modern technology with careful artistry, ensuring that each restoration fits naturally and functions flawlessly.
Dr. Whiteman’s experience in restorative dentistry allows him to craft restorations that meet the highest standards of strength, comfort, and aesthetics. Our office environment is calm and personalized, designed to make your experience relaxing from start to finish.
Each patient receives individualized attention and a tailored treatment plan—because every smile deserves thoughtful, meticulous care.
Insurance and Payment Information
Many insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of inlays and onlays, depending on the reason for treatment. Our team will review your coverage in advance, explain your options, and provide a clear estimate before we begin.
If you’re paying out of pocket, we also offer flexible arrangements to make your care accessible. Karen, our office manager, ensures every financial detail is handled transparently and comfortably.
Book Your Inlays and Onlays Appointment in Newton
If you have a damaged or weakened tooth, an inlay or onlay could restore its strength while keeping your smile natural. At Whiteman Dental Associates, we take the time to understand your needs and design restorations that protect and beautify your teeth.
Our approach prioritizes patient comfort, long-term stability, and aesthetic harmony. You’ll leave with a restoration that looks beautiful, functions naturally, and lasts for years.
Your Inlays and Onlays Questions Answered
How do I know if I need an inlay or an onlay?
The choice depends on the extent of tooth damage. Inlays repair the area within the tooth’s cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps for greater reinforcement.
Are inlays and onlays as strong as crowns?
Yes, in many cases they provide similar strength while preserving more natural enamel. They’re an excellent alternative for moderate damage.
Will I need multiple visits for my restoration?
In most cases, we can complete inlays and onlays in a single visit thanks to our in-office design and milling technology.
Can I replace an old filling with an inlay or onlay?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to upgrade old or failing fillings with inlays or onlays for better strength and a more natural appearance.
Do inlays or onlays require special cleaning tools?
No. Regular brushing and flossing are sufficient, though we may recommend a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent surface wear.
Are inlays and onlays covered by insurance?
Many plans offer coverage, especially if the restoration is needed to repair decay or prevent further damage. Our team can verify your benefits before treatment.
Can an inlay or onlay chip or break?
While very durable, they can chip under extreme force. Avoid chewing hard substances like ice or pens to maintain longevity.
How long will my restoration last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most inlays and onlays last 15–30 years.
Are inlays and onlays suitable for back teeth?
Yes. They are ideal for molars, as they provide strength for chewing while maintaining a natural look.
What should I do if my restoration feels loose?
Contact our office right away. A quick evaluation allows us to rebond or replace it before further issues arise.