Inlays vs. Onlays: Understanding Your Restorative Dentistry Options

Most patients recognize the role of dental crowns and fillings in restoring weak, decayed, or damaged teeth. However, most are not familiar with inlays and onlays. These aesthetic restorations are ideal for treating tooth damage that’s too extensive to repair with a traditional filling but not extensive enough to warrant the use of a dental crown. Our team at High Street Dentistry will recommend the ideal solution to restore your smile.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Dental inlays and onlays are long-lasting restorations used to repair molars with damage to their chewing surfaces resulting from tooth decay, damage, or old fillings. They are bonded directly onto the tooth structure, strengthening and fortifying the affected tooth. 

Inlays, also known as indirect fillings, are similar to traditional fillings, except they are fabricated at a dental laboratory and are ideal for repairing larger cavities that fillings cannot address when a tooth’s cusps are intact. If one or more of the tooth’s cusps are damaged, an onlay, also known as a partial crown, can be the ideal solution. While a dental crown covers the visible surfaces of a weak or damaged tooth, an onlay covers only the chewing surfaces as well as one or more of its cusps. 

At High Street Dentistry, we offer inlays and onlays in a variety of materials, including gold, composite resin, and porcelain. Depending on the material used, your inlay or onlay can last 30 years or even a lifetime with good oral hygiene care and regular visits to High Street Dentistry for regular exams and cleanings.

What Is the Inlay and Onlay Placement Procedure?

After numbing the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort, we will remove any damaged tooth structure and clean and reshape the space to ensure a smooth fit. Next, we will take impressions of your teeth that skilled technicians at our partner dental laboratory will use to create your inlay or onlay. Meanwhile, a temporary restoration will protect your prepared tooth. 

When your inlay or onlay is ready, we will ensure it provides a perfect fit before cementing it in place. A special curing light will strengthen and harden the bond for long-lasting results. The last step is to make any needed adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite.

What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays? 

The following are some of the many benefits of inlays and onlays:

• They Are Conservative: Inlays and onlays require minimal removal of healthy natural tooth structure, making them a conservative tooth restoration option. 
• They Fortify Your Tooth Structure: These durable restorations are bonded to the tooth, fortifying its structure and lowering the risk of future damage. 
• They Are Customized: Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted from impressions of your smile, offering a perfect fit and providing a strong seal to protect against further decay. 
• They Are Long-Lasting: Inlays and onlays, custom-crafted for a precise fit, are built to last for many years, outlasting traditional fillings.
• They Offer Superior Aesthetics: Depending on the material used, we can match your inlay or onlay to your natural teeth, leaving you with a beautifully natural smile. 

Inlays and Onlays Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

Contact High Street Dentistry to learn more about restoring your smile with an inlay or onlay. Dr. Jones and his dedicated team will evaluate your tooth damage and recommend the most conservative solution to restore the health, function, and seamless appearance of your smile. We invite you to call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!