Inlays and Onlays

Conservative custom restorations for moderate tooth damage

The Perfect Middle Ground

When a tooth has damage that's too large for a filling but doesn't warrant a full crown, inlays and onlays provide an excellent solution. These custom restorations are more conservative than crowns while providing strong, long-lasting protection compared to traditional fillings.

Made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite materials, inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while restoring function and aesthetics. At Forever Smiles Turlock, Dr. Kaur uses advanced techniques to create restorations that look and function like natural tooth structure.

Understanding Inlays and Onlays

While similar in many ways, inlays and onlays serve different purposes depending on the extent and location of tooth damage:

Inlays

An inlay is a custom restoration that fits within the cusps (points) of a tooth. It's used when decay or damage affects the central chewing surface but doesn't extend to the cusps. The restoration is bonded directly to the tooth, creating a strong and durable repair.

  • Fits within the cusps of the tooth
  • Used for central chewing surface damage
  • More conservative than onlays
  • Preserves natural tooth structure
  • Ideal for moderate-sized cavities

Onlays

An onlay is a larger restoration that covers one or more cusps of the tooth. When damage extends to the cusps or involves multiple tooth surfaces, an onlay provides a more comprehensive restoration while still preserving more tooth structure than a full crown.

  • Covers one or more tooth cusps
  • Used for larger areas of damage
  • More coverage than inlays
  • Still more conservative than crowns
  • Provides excellent protection

Premium Restoration Materials

Durable, beautiful, and long-lasting

Porcelain

Porcelain inlays and onlays offer excellent aesthetics and durability. Porcelain is stain-resistant, color-stable, and closely mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel. These restorations can last 20+ years with proper care.

Composite Resin

Tooth-colored composite materials provide a more affordable option while still delivering excellent aesthetics and function. Composites bond directly to the tooth and can be completed in fewer appointments than porcelain restorations.

Gold

While less visible, gold inlays and onlays offer exceptional durability and biocompatibility. Gold creates the strongest bond and can last a lifetime. Many patients with back teeth choose gold for maximum longevity.

Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?

Conservative, beautiful, and durable restorations

1

More Conservative

Inlays and onlays preserve significantly more healthy tooth structure than crowns, making them a more conservative treatment option.

2

Stronger Than Fillings

While fillings work well for small cavities, inlays and onlays provide excellent strength and longevity for moderate-sized damage.

3

Natural Appearance

Custom-made to match your exact tooth color and contour, these restorations look completely natural and blend seamlessly with your smile.

4

Precise Fit

Fabricated in a lab using your tooth impression, inlays and onlays fit with exceptional precision, creating excellent margins and less chance of future decay.

5

Long-Lasting

High-quality inlays and onlays can last 20-30 years or longer with proper care, making them an excellent long-term investment.

6

Easy to Clean

With perfect margins and smooth surfaces, inlays and onlays are easy to clean and maintain compared to complex crown restorations.

The Inlay and Onlay Process

Creating custom inlays and onlays typically requires two appointments at Forever Smiles Turlock:

Appointment One: Preparation

  • We examine the tooth and take X-rays to assess the damage
  • Local anesthetic is applied for comfort
  • The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed
  • The tooth is shaped and prepared to precisely receive the restoration
  • A detailed impression or digital scan is taken of the prepared tooth
  • A temporary restoration is placed to protect the tooth

Appointment Two: Placement

  • The temporary restoration is removed
  • The custom inlay or onlay is tried in and adjusted for perfect fit
  • The tooth is cleaned and prepared for bonding
  • Special dental cement permanently bonds the restoration to the tooth
  • Your bite is checked to ensure proper alignment
  • The restoration is polished to a smooth, natural appearance

Caring for Your Restoration

Inlays and onlays are durable, but proper care helps ensure they last many years:

Daily Care

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
  • Floss daily, especially around the margins of the restoration
  • Use fluoride-containing toothpaste
  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth

Habits to Avoid

  • Don't chew on hard objects or ice
  • Avoid using your teeth as tools
  • Be cautious with sticky foods that might dislodge the restoration
  • Limit hard candy and very hard foods

Professional Care

  • Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups (twice yearly)
  • Report any sensitivity, looseness, or damage immediately
  • Avoid abrasive toothpastes or aggressive brushing

Need an Inlay or Onlay?

Schedule your consultation at Forever Smiles Turlock. Dr. Kaur will assess your tooth and discuss the best restoration option for you.

Request Appointment Call (209) 500-1234