Inlays & Onlays
Custom, lab-crafted restorations that repair larger damage while saving more of your natural tooth.
An inlay or onlay is a tooth-colored restoration used when a cavity or crack is too large for a simple filling but too small to need a full crown. It is custom made to fit the exact shape of your tooth, then bonded into place. Think of it as a precise, durable repair that preserves as much healthy tooth as possible.
Dr. Pandya removes the damaged area and takes a digital scan of the tooth. The restoration is crafted to match your tooth's shape and shade, then bonded securely so it works like part of the tooth. An inlay sits within the cusps of the tooth, while an onlay also covers one or more of the raised edges.
Because they conserve more of your natural tooth than a crown, inlays and onlays fit our conservative approach to care. They restore full chewing strength, blend in naturally, and resist wear for years. You keep a stronger tooth and a result that looks like it was always there.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about inlays & onlays.
An inlay fills the area between the rounded points on the top of a back tooth. An onlay does the same but also rebuilds one or more of those points when the damage reaches the edge. Dr. Pandya will recommend whichever preserves the most healthy tooth.
A filling can weaken a tooth when the damaged area is large, and a crown removes more healthy structure than is always necessary. Inlays and onlays sit in the middle, giving you strength without taking away more tooth than the situation calls for.
Because they are made in a lab, inlays and onlays usually take two visits with a temporary in between. We will explain the timeline for your tooth and keep you comfortable at each step.
With good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, inlays and onlays are very durable and can last many years. They are made from strong, tooth-colored materials that hold up well to daily chewing.
Yes. The material is shaded to blend with the surrounding teeth, so the finished restoration is hard to spot. Most people cannot tell which tooth was treated.
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