Dental Inlays, Onlays… An Attractive Alternative to Fillings, Full Crowns
Many people may be aware of dental fillings and dental crowns to repair damaged teeth. But Willow Creek Dentistry offers another option for our patients in the Rochester, New York area who may not need a filling or a crown: dental inlays and onlays.
What are inlays and onlays?
This type of restoration serves as a “middle-ground” between fillings and full dental crowns. It may be an appropriate option for patients with moderate tooth damage or decay.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
Great question! Your teeth have cusps, which are those peaks or tips of the tooth. Inlays are designed to fit within these cusps, or on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Onlays are designed to cover at least one of those tips, high points, or cusps. They are often referred to as “partial crowns,” because onlays treat more extensive decay/damage and provide greater coverage than their inlay counterparts.
How is treatment done?
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, meaning they are made in a lab and later placed and secured to rebuild the damaged areas of the teeth. This process generally involves:
Removing decay or damaged parts of the tooth.
Taking impressions or scans of the tooth.
Applying a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while the permanent inlay/onlay is made.
Securing the permanent restoration once the inlay/onlay is ready.
As needed, any old or worn fillings or restorations are also removed during the initial steps in the process. These restorations are ideal for patients whose big cavities were treated with fillings. These large fillings are vulnerable to further damage. Likewise, fillings can wear down over time, and an inlay or onlay may be a more appropriate replacement.
What material do you use?
Porcelain is a preferred material. This metal-free ceramic can be perfectly shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding tooth structure and neighboring teeth. It also looks like natural tooth enamel. Additionally, porcelain restorations are known for their strength and durability. With good care, these inlays and onlays should last for decades – maybe even the rest of your life! Last but certainly not least, our patients appreciate how well porcelain resists stains. These treated teeth hold up well and require no special “maintenance.”
Are dental inlays or onlays right for me?
Possibly! These restorations conserve the maximum amount of tooth structure. We only remove those damaged areas of the teeth. Inlays are generally appropriate for patients whose teeth need more than a simple filling, but do not require the “coverage” of a partial crown/onlay. Onlays are ideal for those with more extensive fractures, decay, or trauma who do not need a full dental crown. This option strikes the right balance for many of our patients.
Why should I choose Willow Creek Dentistry?
For nearly 40 years, our office has served individuals and families from across the Rochester, Gates, Henrietta, Brighton, Spencerport, and Scottsville, NY area. As a locally owned and operated practice, we are not beholden to corporate interests or priorities. We only prioritize your health, safety, and comfort, and what is in your best interests. In turn, our neighbors have come to trust us, and generations of families continue to come back to us for the quality care they need.
We look forward to providing that care to you and your family—call (585) 889-2559 to schedule your new patient visit today.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our experienced team of dentists is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care backed by advanced training and ongoing education.
Together, our doctors bring decades of combined experience, advanced clinical training, and active involvement in professional organizations. Their shared commitment to continuing education and modern dentistry ensures patients receive the highest standard of care in a comfortable, trusted environment.
