Inlays and Onlays

Sometimes a tooth has more damage than a standard filling can address, but not so much that a full crown is needed. In these cases, an inlay or onlay may be exactly the right solution. At Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Smalkoski offer inlays and onlays as a conservative, custom-fit alternative for restoring moderately damaged back teeth. An inlay is a restoration that fits within the cusps of a tooth, addressing damage limited to the central surface. An onlay, sometimes called a partial crown, is used when damage extends to one or more of the cusps or to the sides of the tooth. Both restorations are fabricated in a dental laboratory from high-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. These materials can be matched to the natural color of your tooth, making the restoration essentially invisible in your smile. Inlays and onlays are a step up from direct composite fillings in durability and precision. Because they are fabricated outside the mouth to exact specifications, they fit more accurately and tend to last longer than fillings placed directly into the tooth. They also preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to a full crown, which requires more extensive reshaping of the tooth. This makes them a particularly attractive option for patients who want a restoration that is as conservative as possible while still being strong and long-lasting. If you have a tooth with significant decay, a cracked cusp, or a very large filling that is failing, an inlay or onlay at our Racine, WI office may be the ideal way to restore it.

Getting an inlay or onlay at Creating Beautiful Smiles typically requires two appointments. At your first visit, the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia and the damaged or decayed area is carefully removed. The tooth is then prepared to receive the restoration. Unlike a crown, which requires removing a layer of enamel from all sides of the tooth, an inlay or onlay preparation only removes the damaged material, leaving as much healthy tooth structure intact as possible. Once the tooth is prepared, impressions or a digital scan are taken and sent to a dental laboratory. A temporary restoration is placed over the tooth to protect it while your permanent inlay or onlay is being crafted. At your second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the permanent piece is carefully checked for fit, bite, and appearance. Your dentist will make any minor adjustments needed to ensure a precise, comfortable fit before bonding it permanently in place. Once cemented, the restoration is polished to a smooth, natural finish. Inlays and onlays bond directly to the tooth structure, which actually helps strengthen the remaining tooth rather than simply filling it. Many patients find them more comfortable and natural-feeling than a full crown. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, an inlay or onlay can last ten to thirty years, making them one of the longest-lasting restorative options available. If you think you might need this kind of restoration, our team is happy to evaluate your tooth and help you understand whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the most appropriate choice.