Inlays and Onlays
A Strong, Conservative Solution for Tooth Restoration
When a traditional filling isn’t quite enough—but a full crown feels like too much—inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. At The Dental Hub, our experienced dentists, including Dr. Anthony DiNapoli, Dr. Daniel Lebowitz, and Dr. Kyle Zumfelde, offer custom dental restorations that preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while protecting it from further damage.
These indirect fillings are crafted from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin, delivering long-lasting strength and a natural look—especially ideal for molars and premolars that need extra support. Let our team in Columbus enhance your smile with a solution that’s both strong and beautifully subtle.
What is a Dental Inlay?
A dental inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits snugly within the grooves of your teeth—between the cusps (the raised edges on the chewing surface). It’s an excellent option when tooth decay or damage is too extensive for a filling but hasn’t affected the outer edges of your tooth. Inlays are more durable and longer-lasting than traditional fillings, and they’re less invasive than a full crown–preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
What is a Dental Onlay?
A dental onlay goes a step further by covering one or more cusps of the tooth–making it a great option when damage is more extensive but not severe enough to require a full crown. Also known as a partial crown, an onlay covers the biting surface to reinforce your tooth while maintaining its natural shape. It restores strength, function, and appearance–while helping you avoid more invasive treatment.
The Inlay and Onlay Process
Getting an inlay or an onlay usually takes two appointments to ensure a precise fit and optimal results.
First Appointment: Preparation
During your first appointment, we’ll prepare the tooth and take detailed impressions to guide your custom restoration.
- One of our dentists will remove any tooth decay or damaged areas.
- We’ll take impressions to capture the precise shape of your tooth.
- We may place a temporary filling to protect the area while your restoration is being made.
- Your impression is sent to a trusted dental lab, where your inlay or onlay is custom-crafted for a proper fit and natural appearance.
Second Appointment: Placement
At your second appointment, your custom inlay or onlay will be bonded into place.
- We’ll remove the temporary filling and clean the area.
- Your inlay or onlay is then fitted and securely bonded to your tooth.
- Final adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable fit, proper bite alignment, and natural function.
With proper care, your new restoration can last for many years.
Why Choose an Inlay or Onlay
Not every cavity or crack requires a full crown. In many cases, inlays and onlays are the best option for restoring teeth with cavities, fractures, or wear–especially when the damage doesn’t affect the entire tooth.
Benefits of inlays and onlays include:
- Preserve more of your natural tooth
- Made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic
- Blend naturally with your smile
- Help prevent further decay or fracture
- Easy to clean with daily dental care
- Offer greater longevity than standard fillings
If you’re looking for a simple procedure with long-term benefits, inlays and onlays may be a better option for you.
Restore Your Smile with Custom Inlays and Onlays in Columbus
Inlays and onlays are a durable, minimally invasive solution for restoring damaged teeth. They preserve more of your natural tooth structure while providing long-lasting strength and protection. If you’re considering dental restorations, inlays and onlays offer reliable, beautiful results.
Call The Dental Hub today to schedule your appointment:
We’ll evaluate your tooth and help you determine if an inlay, onlay, or other tooth restoration best fits your situation.