Strong, Precise Restorations That Protect Your Natural Smile
When a tooth needs more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays provide a precise, lasting solution. These restorations repair and strengthen teeth while blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we create inlays and onlays in-house using advanced technology, so you can enjoy durable results without multiple appointments. Every restoration is designed to protect your tooth, restore full function, and preserve as much natural structure as possible.
Book Your Dental Appointment
Understanding Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that replace damaged or decayed portions of a tooth’s biting surface. An inlay fits within the tooth’s cusps (the raised edges you feel when you run your tongue over a molar), while an onlay covers one or more cusps.
Both are crafted from strong, tooth-colored materials that blend beautifully with your natural enamel. They provide a more precise fit and stronger support than traditional fillings and are a more conservative option than a full crown.
At Whiteman Dental Associates, inlays and onlays are designed with both function and aesthetics in mind. They restore the tooth’s original shape, protect it from further damage, and look completely natural when you smile.
When Inlays or Onlays Are Recommended
Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay if the tooth has:
- Damage too extensive for a simple filling, such as a fractured cusp.
- Moderate decay that hasn’t compromised the entire tooth structure.
- An old or failing filling that needs replacement with something stronger.
Inlays and onlays are especially valuable for preserving healthy tooth structure. If the damage is not severe enough to require a crown, these restorations allow us to remove only the compromised portion of the tooth and leave the rest intact.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays or onlays offers several important benefits:
Strength and Durability
Bonded directly to the tooth with high-strength resin, inlays and onlays reinforce the remaining tooth structure. This makes them much stronger than traditional fillings, with the potential to last decades.
Precise Fit
Because they are custom-designed using digital imaging, inlays and onlays fit your tooth perfectly. This precision creates a tight seal, reducing the risk of future decay.
Preservation of Healthy Tooth Structure
Unlike crowns, which require reshaping the tooth, inlays and onlays remove only the damaged portion. This means more of your natural tooth is preserved.
Natural Appearance
Tooth-colored materials, especially porcelain, can be matched closely to the surrounding enamel for a seamless look. Once bonded, the restoration is virtually invisible.
Long Lifespan
With good care, inlays and onlays can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Their longevity makes them a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health.
These benefits go beyond function. Patients appreciate the way inlays and onlays maintain the natural beauty of their smile while offering a stable, comfortable bite.
The Inlay and Onlay Process at Whiteman Dental Associates
We take pride in making the process comfortable, efficient, and tailored to each patient. Thanks to our in-office CEREC and CAD/CAM technology, most inlays and onlays can be completed in a single visit.
Step 1: Examination and Diagnosis
We begin with a thorough examination to assess the extent of the damage or decay. Digital imaging helps us see exactly which parts of the tooth need to be restored and decide if an inlay or onlay is the best option.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
Once the area is numbed for comfort, the damaged portion of the tooth is carefully removed, preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
Step 3: Digital Scanning and Design
Instead of messy traditional impressions, we use an optical scanner to capture a precise 3D model of your tooth. This allows us to design your inlay or onlay digitally, ensuring an exact fit.
Step 4: Milling and Customization
The design is sent to our in-office milling machine, which crafts the restoration from a block of high-quality ceramic. The piece is then refined, colored, and baked to match your natural tooth.
Step 5: Bonding and Polishing
Once the inlay or onlay is ready, it’s bonded to the tooth using a durable resin. The restoration is polished to a smooth finish, blending seamlessly with your bite and smile.
By combining artistry with advanced technology, we create restorations that are strong, comfortable, and virtually indistinguishable from natural enamel.
Materials Used for Inlays and Onlays
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we offer inlays and onlays in:
Porcelain: Popular for its strength, durability, and ability to match natural tooth color. Ideal for visible teeth.
Composite Resin: Tooth-colored, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing, though slightly less durable than porcelain
Gold: Known for exceptional strength and longevity. While not as common today for visible teeth, gold remains an excellent choice for molars due to its resilience.
Porcelain has become the preferred choice for many patients because of its combination of beauty and strength. No matter the material, we select what’s best for your unique needs and goals.
Caring for Your Inlay or Onlay
With proper care, your restoration can last for many years. We recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing once a day to clean between teeth and along the gumline.
- Avoiding habits like chewing ice or biting hard objects that could damage the restoration.
- Scheduling routine check-ups so we can monitor the health of your teeth and restorations.
Because inlays and onlays bond securely to the tooth, they resist staining and wear well over time. A good oral hygiene routine helps ensure they remain strong and attractive for decades.
Why Patients Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for Inlays and Onlays
We approach every restoration as both a functional necessity and an artistic opportunity. At Whiteman Dental Associates, your treatment is personalized to your unique needs, and every detail matters — from the precision of the fit to the shade matching of the material.
Our advanced technology allows us to design, craft, and place your inlay or onlay in one visit without compromising on quality. Patients value the calm, attentive atmosphere we create, where comfort is a priority and results are built to last.
Each restoration is as individual as the patient receiving it, blending seamlessly into your smile while protecting your oral health for years to come.
Book Your Inlays and Onlays Appointment
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, an inlay or onlay could restore its strength and beauty while preserving as much of the natural structure as possible. Call Whiteman Dental Associates today to schedule your consultation and discover a restoration that feels as good as it looks.