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When a tooth has more damage than a filling can repair but not enough to need a full crown, inlays and onlays are often the ideal solution. These custom-crafted restorations are made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic and are carefully bonded to the tooth for a natural, long-lasting result. They preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible while restoring strength and function.
At Restore Dental Aesthetics, we use inlays and onlays to treat teeth with moderate decay or damage, especially on the chewing surfaces of molars. Because they are fabricated in a lab to precise specifications, they fit better and often last longer than traditional fillings.
When an inlay or onlay may be the right choice:
Our team will evaluate your tooth and recommend whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the best restoration for your situation. The goal is always to choose the most conservative option that delivers lasting results.
Both inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations, but they cover different areas of the tooth. An inlay fits inside the cusps, or the raised points, on the chewing surface of a tooth. An onlay is slightly more extensive, covering one or more of those cusps in addition to the inner surface. Sometimes onlays are called partial crowns because of how much of the tooth they protect.
The process typically takes two visits. At the first appointment, we remove decay or damage, take impressions of the tooth, and place a temporary restoration. A dental lab then crafts your custom inlay or onlay to match the exact shape and color of your tooth. At the second visit, we bond it securely in place and make any final adjustments for a comfortable bite.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 15 years or longer. They are a reliable investment for teeth that need more than a filling but do not require the full coverage of a crown.
Benefits of inlays and onlays over traditional fillings:
Caring for an inlay or onlay is the same as caring for your natural teeth. A few simple habits will keep your restoration looking and functioning beautifully for many years.
With consistent care, your inlay or onlay can last 15 years or longer. Let us know if you ever notice sensitivity, roughness, or any changes in how the restoration feels.
Our staff is here to help answer any questions
and book your consultation.
Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm
288 Washington St
Peabody, MA 01960
Moderate Decay: cavities too large for a filling but not severe enough for a crown
