Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. When decay or fracture is too extensive for a standard filling but hasn't compromised enough structure to warrant a crown, an inlay or onlay provides the ideal middle ground. These custom-fabricated porcelain restorations fit precisely into or onto the damaged area, reinforcing the tooth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible.
At Newpoint Family Dental in Unionville, CT, we believe conservative dentistry is better dentistry. Saving healthy tooth structure whenever we can means your natural teeth last longer and require less invasive treatment in the future.
Inlay vs. Onlay: What's the Difference?
An inlay fits within the cusps (raised edges) of a back tooth, similar to a filling but custom-made from porcelain for superior strength and longevity.
An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area of the tooth's biting surface. Sometimes called a "partial crown," an onlay restores significant damage while still preserving more tooth structure than a full crown would.
Why Choose an Inlay or Onlay?
- Stronger than direct fillings — Lab-fabricated porcelain is significantly stronger than composite resin placed directly in the tooth
- More conservative than crowns — Less natural tooth structure needs to be removed
- Excellent longevity — Porcelain inlays and onlays often last 15-30 years
- Precise fit — Custom fabrication ensures optimal margins and bite alignment
- Stain-resistant — Porcelain maintains its color beautifully over time
The Process
The process typically requires two visits. At the first, we remove the damaged portion of the tooth, take a digital impression, and place a temporary restoration. Your custom inlay or onlay is fabricated from porcelain that matches your tooth's natural shade. At the second visit, we bond the restoration in place and make final adjustments. With our CEREC technology, we can often complete the process in a single visit.
Patients from across Farmington Valley appreciate that we take the time to find the most conservative, appropriate solution — not default to a crown when something less invasive will serve you better.