A conservative, durable solution to restore teeth with moderate damage—stronger than a filling, less invasive than a crown.
Inlays & Onlays
What Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made porcelain or composite restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. They’re a middle ground between traditional fillings and full dental crowns—preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible while offering superior strength and aesthetics.
Think of them as precision restorations that are lab-crafted to fit perfectly within (inlay) or over (onlay) the damaged portion of the tooth.
At Village Dental, our inlays and onlays are milled in-house using advanced 3D printing technology for a perfect, same-day fit—meaning quicker results with no outsourcing or waiting.
What’s the Difference?
Inlay
Fits within the cusps (the raised edges) of a tooth—ideal for treating cavities or fractures inside the biting surface.
Vs.
Onlay
Extends over one or more cusps—used when damage involves more of the tooth’s outer structure but doesn’t yet require a full crown.
✔️ You have a cavity too large for a traditional filling
✔️ You’ve had a cracked or fractured tooth that’s still structurally sound
✔️ You want a longer-lasting, cosmetic alternative to silver fillings
✔️ Your tooth needs extra strength without removing too much enamel (as with crowns)
✔️ You’ve had an old filling fail and want a more durable replacement
When might you need this?
-
• The tooth is cleaned and any decay or old filling material is removed
• A digital scan is taken to design your custom inlay/onlay using our CAD/CAM software -
• Your inlay or onlay is milled in-house from high-quality ceramic or composite
• No temporary needed in most cases—permanent restoration is placed same days here -
• The inlay/onlay is tested for fit and comfort
• It’s permanently bonded and polished for a smooth, natural look
What to Expect During the Procedure
Benefits of Inlays & Onlays
Immediate Benefits
• Restore strength and function to a damaged tooth
• More precise and durable than a large filling
• Natural-looking—blends beautifully with your existing teeth
Long-term Benefits
• Helps preserve more healthy enamel compared to crowns
• Resistant to staining and wear
• Lasts 10–20 years or more with good care
• Protects against further cracking or breakdown
FAQs
Q: Why not just get a filling or a crown?
A: Inlays/onlays offer the best of both: more protection than a filling, less drilling than a crown. They're ideal when the damage is moderate—not minor enough for a filling but not severe enough to justify a crown.
Q: Will I need a temporary?
A: Not usually. With our in-office 3D printers and milling machines, we can often complete the restoration in a single visit.
Q: Will it hurt?
A: Not at all. We’ll numb the area just like with a filling. Most patients are surprised how quick and easy the process is.
Q: How long do inlays/onlays last?
A: With proper brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, they can last well over a decade—sometimes 20+ years.
