Inlays and onlays are custom-crafted restorations designed for teeth with moderate decay or damage that’s too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown. An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth, while an onlay extends to cover one or more of the cusps.
Unlike standard fillings placed directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab from high-quality porcelain or composite resin, then precisely bonded to the tooth. This gives them superior strength, durability, and a more accurate fit than a traditional filling.
Dr. Koman removes the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth and takes a precise impression of the prepared area. That impression is sent to a dental lab where your inlay or onlay is custom-fabricated from porcelain or composite resin to match your natural tooth in shape, shade, and contour.
At your second visit, the restoration is checked for fit and permanently bonded to the tooth. Because it’s fabricated outside the mouth, the final result is stronger, more precise, and longer-lasting than a standard filling placed chairside.
An inlay fills the space within the cusps (the raised points) of a tooth. It’s used when the damage is limited to the center of the biting surface. An onlay covers one or more cusps, providing more coverage and reinforcement for teeth with broader damage.
Both options are more conservative than a crown because they preserve significantly more of your natural tooth structure. Dr. Koman will recommend the right option based on how much of the tooth needs to be restored.
Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients with moderate decay or damage on a back tooth where a filling wouldn’t provide enough support but a crown would mean removing more tooth than necessary. They’re the sweet spot between the two.
If you have an old, large filling that’s failing or a tooth with a crack that hasn’t compromised the full structure, an inlay or onlay may be the most conservative, longest-lasting option. Dr. Koman will assess your tooth and recommend the best path forward.
These transformations were performed right here at Koman Dental Denver. Every case is unique, but the results speak for themselves.
Full mouth rehabilitation combining implants and restorations for lasting function and confidence.
Veneers and whitening designed to enhance natural beauty while maintaining a seamless, authentic look.
A custom bridge placed to restore the appearance and function of the front teeth, creating a more complete, natural-looking smile.
Dr. Koman examines the tooth with digital imaging to determine whether an inlay, onlay, or alternative restoration is the right call.
The damaged area is carefully cleaned and shaped. A precise impression is taken and sent to our lab where your custom restoration is fabricated.
At your second visit, the inlay or onlay is checked for fit, color, and bite, then permanently bonded to the tooth with a strong adhesive.
We polish the restoration and verify that your bite feels natural and comfortable. With proper care, your inlay or onlay should last for years to come.
An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth and is used for damage limited to the center. An onlay extends over one or more cusps and is used when more of the biting surface needs to be restored.
Standard fillings work well for small cavities, but when the damage is more extensive, they can weaken the remaining tooth structure. An inlay or onlay provides a stronger, more durable restoration that supports the tooth long-term.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10 to 30 years. They're significantly more durable than traditional fillings and are designed to withstand heavy chewing pressure on back teeth.
Not at all. They're custom-matched to the color and contour of your natural tooth. Once bonded in place, they're virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
The first visit is for preparation and impressions. Your restoration is then custom-fabricated in a lab for a precise fit, which takes about one to two weeks. The second visit is for final bonding.
Call us at (303) 759-0731 or book online. Dr. Koman will evaluate your tooth and let you know if an inlay or onlay is the best option for your situation.
Whether you need a simple filling or a full reconstruction, we’ll take the time to do it right. Request an appointment online or give us a call.