How do I know if an inlay or onlay is better than a filling or crown?

If the tooth has too much damage for a filling but still has strong structure worth preserving, an inlay or onlay is often the ideal middle-ground option after an exam.

Will my inlay or onlay look natural and feel comfortable when I chew?

Yes. Each piece is custom shaped and color-matched so it blends with your tooth and restores a smooth bite without bulkiness.

How long do inlays and onlays last with normal care?

They’re designed to be very durable and can last many years—often decades—when you brush, floss, and keep up with routine checkups.

Will I be able to chew comfortably after getting an inlay or onlay?

Yes. These restorations are designed to restore the natural shape of your tooth and provide a comfortable, balanced bite once placed.

How should I care for my inlay or onlay after treatment?

Brush and floss daily, avoid chewing very hard objects, and keep up with routine dental visits to help maintain long-term strength and fit.

Precision, strength, preservation

Inlays and Onlays

A precise, tooth-conserving repair that restores strength and shape when a filling is not enough and a crown is more than you need.

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Needle-Free Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

Same Day Crowns

When more than half of a tooth’s biting surface is damaged, a filling may not be enough while a crown might be excessive. Inlays and onlays provide a middle-ground solution that restores your tooth’s anatomy and protects it from further damage.

LASTING COMFORT

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations made from porcelain, gold, or composite resin to repair damaged teeth.

An Inlay fits within the tips (cusps) of the tooth like a precise filling.

An Onlay covers a larger portion of the chewing surface.

Bonded with strong resins, they can make a tooth up to 75% stronger and often last 10-30 years. Porcelain is popular for its strength and natural color match.

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Why Inlays and Onlays matter

Clear steps from evaluation to final polish, so you always know what is happening, why we are doing it, and how it leads to a natural fit.

Preserve more healthy tooth than a full crown

Restore proper anatomy for comfortable chewing

Reinforce the tooth with strong bonded support

Seal damaged areas to help prevent future decay

Blend naturally with porcelain that matches color and shine

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How Inlays and Onlays Are Restored

Digital planning and in-office fabrication support efficient, highly accurate restorations.

01. Evaluation & Treatment Planning

Dr. Jenkins examines the tooth and reviews X-rays or digital scans to determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best solution. This ensures the restoration fits the level of damage without over-treating the tooth.

02. Gentle Preparation & Design

Damaged or decayed areas and any failing fillings are gently removed. Precise impressions or digital scans are then taken to design your custom inlay or onlay.

03. Try-In & Refinement

At the follow-up visit, the restoration is checked for fit, contact, and bite. Shade and margins are refined to create a seamless, natural appearance.

04. Final Bonding & Finish

The Inlay or onlay is bonded with strong resin, excess material is smoothed, and the bite is finely adjusted. You receive simple care guidance to support long-lasting results.

LASTING COMFORT

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Everyday advantages you can feel in strength, comfort, and long-term tooth preservation.

Bonded strength up to 75% with results that often last 10–30 years.

Preserves more natural structure and shields enamel.

Restores chewing and a balanced bite.

Seamless appearance with material options matched to your smile.

Ready to enhance your smile?

Upgrade your smile with custom inlays and onlays. Trust Dr. Jenkins for precise restorations that provide lasting strength and a natural look. Schedule your appointment today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what most patients like to know before they get started.

How do I know if an inlay or onlay is better than a filling or crown?
If the tooth has too much damage for a filling but still has strong structure worth preserving, an inlay or onlay is often the ideal middle-ground option after an exam.
Will my inlay or onlay look natural and feel comfortable when I chew?
Yes. Each piece is custom shaped and color-matched so it blends with your tooth and restores a smooth bite without bulkiness.
How long do inlays and onlays last with normal care?
They’re designed to be very durable and can last many years—often decades—when you brush, floss, and keep up with routine checkups.
Will I be able to chew comfortably after getting an inlay or onlay?
Yes. These restorations are designed to restore the natural shape of your tooth and provide a comfortable, balanced bite once placed.
How should I care for my inlay or onlay after treatment?
Brush and floss daily, avoid chewing very hard objects, and keep up with routine dental visits to help maintain long-term strength and fit.