Dental inlays and onlays are a more conservative approach to tooth restoration than full crowns. The are used to repair rear teeth that have mild to moderate tooth decay, or for cracked teeth where the damage does not warrant a dental crown. Porcelain, composite resin and sometimes gold are used to create inlays and onlays. Inlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material limited to the center of the tooth, while onlays refer to those procedures where the bonded material can extend further to one or more cusps of the tooth.
What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?
Natural look: Inlays and onlays have a natural tooth color that makes them virtually invisible compared to metal fillings.
Great fit: Inlays and onlys will not expand or contract based on temperature like metal fillings. Longevity: Inlays and onlays can last up to thirty years, longer than any other type of filling. Minimal tooth structure removed: Inlays and onlays require the minimal removal of a tooth’s surface, helping to preserve the maximum amount of healthy tooth structure while restoring decayed or damaged areas.
How it’s done
Typically, two visits are required for the placements of inlays and onlays. In the first visit, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a lab to create the permanent inlay or onlay. Before you leave, he will fit your tooth with a temporary inlay / onlay to keep the tooth protected between visits. During your second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary protective material and fit your tooth with the permanent inlay or onlay received from the lab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
A. Dental inlays and onlays are conservative tooth restorations used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay or damage that don’t require full crowns. Inlays fit within the cusps of the tooth, while onlays extend over one or more cusps to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Q. How Do Inlays and Onlays Differ From Traditional Fillings and Crowns?
A. Unlike traditional fillings, inlays and onlays are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely and are more durable. They preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns while providing a stronger restoration than standard fillings.
Q. What Are the Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays?
A. Benefits include:
- Natural tooth-colored appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile
- Excellent long-term durability — lasting up to 30 years
- Minimal tooth structure removal to preserve healthy enamel
- Reduced risk of expansion and contraction compared with metal restorations
These restorations help maintain both function and aesthetics
Q. What Materials Are Used for Inlays and Onlays?
A. At Smiles By Design, we use high-quality materials such as porcelain and composite resin for inlays and onlays. These materials are chosen for their strength and ability to mimic natural tooth color.
Q. How Are Inlays and Onlays Placed?
A. Placement typically requires two visits:
- First visit: We prepare the tooth and take impressions. A temporary restoration is placed.
- Second visit: The custom-made inlay or onlay is bonded permanently to your tooth.
Q. How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?
A. With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, inlays and onlays can last for many years — often up to 30 years or more — making them one of the longest-lasting restorative solutions available.
Q. Is the Procedure Painful?
A. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia ensures comfort, and because inlays and onlays are conservative restorations, preservation of natural tooth structure means less sensitivity.
Q. Why Choose Smiles By Design for Inlays and Onlays in Hewlett, NY?
A. Smiles By Design offers a friendly, patient-focused experience using modern digital technology and experienced dentists like Dr. Ron Kaminer and the Hewlett team to deliver precise, long-lasting restorations. Our practice is known for a comfortable atmosphere and quality care in Hewlett, NY.
