Inlays & Onlays in Dartmouth, MA

When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, we often use an inlay or onlay to restore the tooth’s anatomy.

What are dental inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are made of porcelain, gold, or composite resin and are bonded to the damaged area of the tooth. An inlay, which is similar to a dental filling, is placed inside the cusp tips of the tooth.

Traditionally, gold has been the material of choice for inlays and onlays. However, in recent years, porcelain has become increasingly popular due to its strength and color, which has the potential of matching the natural color of your teeth.

How are inlays and onlays applied?

Inlays and onlays can be completed in either one or two visits, depending on the type of restoration used.

Same-Day Option using CEREC Technology  

With CEREC same-day technology, the entire procedure can often be completed in a single appointment with no temporaries required.  During your visit, the damaged or decaying portion of the tooth is prepared.  We then take a digital impression, design your custom restoration, and fabricate it right in our office.  Once ready, your inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth and polished – restoring your smile in one visit. 

Considerations for Inlays and Onlays

Traditional fillings can reduce the strength of a natural tooth by up to 50 percent. Alternatively, inlays and onlays, which are bonded directly onto the tooth, using special high-strength resins, actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75 percent. As a result, they typically last from 10 to 30 years. In some cases, where the damage to the tooth is not extensive enough to merit an entire dental crown, onlays provide a very good alternative.