Conservative Restorative Dentistry
Dental Inlays and Onlays with CEREC®
Bring strength and beauty back to a damaged tooth—without a full crown.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that repair teeth damaged by decay or wear while preserving as much natural tooth as possible. With advanced CEREC® technology, many cases can be finished with impressive precision and speed.
Your First Choice for Cosmetic Dentistry
Don’t Need a Full Crown?
At Gage Dental Care, a crown isn’t the only way to restore a damaged tooth. When decay or wear hasn’t compromised the whole tooth, inlays and onlays offer a more conservative fix. They bond directly to the tooth, reinforcing it while keeping its natural integrity intact.
What Is a Dental Inlay?
An inlay is used when damage sits in the center of a tooth’s chewing surface. It fits precisely within the cusps, replacing areas lost to decay or a worn-out filling.
- Replaces small to medium fillings Ideal when a traditional filling no longer holds up.
- Precision fit Designed to match the exact dimensions of the prepared tooth.
- Natural appearance Crafted from porcelain or resin to blend with your enamel.
What Is a Dental Onlay?
An onlay is like an inlay but extends over one or more cusps. It’s often the choice when damage is more extensive yet still doesn’t call for a full crown.
- Protects weakened cusps Covers and reinforces areas under heavy chewing pressure.
- Conservative alternative to crowns Keeps more of your natural tooth.
- Long-lasting strength Bonds securely to reinforce and protect the tooth.
CEREC Same-Day Technology
With CEREC computer-assisted design and milling, inlays and onlays can often be made in a single visit. After decay is removed and the tooth prepared, a digital optical impression is taken—then the restoration is designed and milled for a comfortable, accurate fit.
- Digital optical impressions (no messy molds)
- Computer-guided design for accuracy
- On-site milling for fast turnaround
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Preserves natural tooth Less drilling than a traditional crown.
- Improves esthetics Swaps old metal fillings for tooth-colored restorations.
- Strengthens damaged teeth Durable reinforcement for chewing.
- Custom-crafted fit Designed specifically for your tooth’s anatomy.
Inlays and onlays are chosen when they strike the best balance of conservation, durability, and aesthetics for your smile.
Inlays and Onlays FAQ
- How are inlays different from fillings?
- Inlays are custom-made outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth, offering more strength and precision than a traditional filling.
- How are onlays different from crowns?
- Onlays cover only the damaged part of the tooth rather than the whole surface, preserving more natural structure.
- Are inlays and onlays durable?
- Yes. Porcelain and resin restorations are strong and long-lasting under normal chewing forces.
- Is the procedure painful?
- The tooth is numbed during treatment, so most patients feel minimal discomfort.
- How long do they last?
- With good care and routine visits, they can last many years.
- Can metal fillings be replaced with inlays or onlays?
- Yes. Many patients trade old metal restorations for tooth-colored porcelain for a better look.
- Is CEREC safe?
- Yes. CEREC is widely used and enables accurate digital impressions and precise fabrication.
- Am I a candidate?
- If your tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown, an evaluation can confirm whether an inlay or onlay fits.