Dental Onlays and Inlays: The Little-known Tooth Restoration Solutions

If your tooth damage is too large for a filling but doesn’t warrant a dental crown, the team at Kelli Brady DDS will recommend a dental onlay or inlay. Also known as indirect fillings, dental inlays, and onlays repair tooth damage and prevent it from progressing. These little-known restorations from Dr. Kelli Brady is a conservative yet effective method for restoring your smile’s function and aesthetics.

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Indirect fillings are created from solid, custom-designed materials. Although used interchangeably, dental inlays and onlays differ. Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth and don’t extend to the cusps. Dental onlays cover a large area. It repairs damage in the chewing surfaces and extends to one or more cusps. 

Dental inlays and onlays can be created from several materials, including ceramics, composites, and metal. We prefer ceramic materials like porcelain because they look and feel like natural teeth. Once we restore your tooth with a porcelain restoration, it blends seamlessly with your entire smile for a realistic appearance.

How are dental inlays and onlays placed?

You need at least two dental visits to restore your smile with an inlay or onlay. Your treatment starts with a consultation to inspect your tooth to ensure it’s eligible for an indirect filling. If so, we’ll remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth before reshaping your tooth for easier placement of an inlay or onlay.

The next step is to take digital impressions of your prepped tooth. Our dental lab will use these digital molds to custom-make your inlay or onlay. While your restoration is being prepared, we’ll seal your prepared tooth with a temporary filling to protect it from further damage and thermal stimulation. 

Once your restoration is ready, you’ll make another appointment at our office. During this visit, we’ll remove the temporary filling and clean your tooth. Then, we’ll try in your inlay or onlay to examine its fit and alignment. If you are happy with the results, we’ll use dental cement to bond your restoration permanently to your tooth.

Benefits of dental inlays and onlays

The following are the benefits of restoring your smile with indirect fillings.

Conservative treatment that preserves much of the healthy portion of your tooth

  • Long-lasting outcomes
  • Natural appearance 
  • Onlays and inlays are maintained like natural teeth
  • They protect the tooth from further damage

Rebuild your smile with dental inlays and onlays

If you are ready to learn more about dental inlays and onlays, feel free to contact any of our offices in Norwood, NJ (201) 806-6866 and New York, NY (646) 692-0227. Soon, you’ll say goodbye to tooth damage without losing the natural aesthetics of your smile.