Restorative Dentistry
Inlays and Onlays in Duncanville, TX
Conservative, durable restorations for damaged teeth.
Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. When a cavity or a fracture is too large for a filling but the rest of the tooth is still sound, an inlay or onlay restores it without cutting the whole tooth down. It is the middle option, and it is often the right one. Serving Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Grand Prairie and nearby communities.
Expert Care. Flawless Results.
Inlays and Onlays at Precision Dental Care
An inlay sits inside the grooves of a tooth, between the cusps. An onlay extends over one or more cusps and covers more of the chewing surface. Both are made outside the mouth in high-strength porcelain, ceramic or composite and then bonded into place — and that is where their advantage comes from. A restoration milled to fit a scan is more precise, more durable and stronger than material packed into a cavity by hand, and because it only replaces what was lost, the healthy enamel around it stays where it is. A crown, by comparison, means reducing the whole tooth. Where an onlay will do the job, an onlay is the better dentistry.
When We Recommend One
- A cavity too large for a filling But not extensive enough to need a crown.
- A cracked or fractured tooth Where the tooth needs structural support.
- Replacing a worn-out or metal filling Particularly a large old one.
- Preserving healthy structure Where a crown would mean removing sound tooth.
- A failed filling That has cracked or left the tooth weakened.
Two Visits
- First visit Digital X-rays and evaluation, decay or damage removed, an iTero digital scan taken instead of an impression tray, and a temporary restoration fitted.
- Second visit The temporary comes off, your custom inlay or onlay is bonded in, and the bite is checked and polished to match the surface of the tooth.
Why They Last
Porcelain and ceramic are stain-resistant and hold their color, and a bonded restoration seals the tooth against the decay that got in the first time. With good care they commonly last ten to twenty years or more, on molars and premolars doing the heaviest chewing. The iTero scanner, digital smile design software, 3D printing and our cone beam scanner are what make the fit that precise. Related treatment: dental crowns, tooth-colored fillings and restorative dentistry.
The short answer
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations for a damaged tooth, made outside the mouth in porcelain, ceramic or composite and then bonded into place. An inlay sits within the grooves between the cusps; an onlay extends over one or more cusps. They are stronger than a filling and more conservative than a crown, because only what was lost is replaced.
Inlays and Onlays FAQ
- Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
- For moderate damage, inlays and onlays are better than fillings: they are stronger, they last longer, and they protect the tooth more effectively. Each one is made outside the mouth to fit a digital scan and then bonded in, which is more precise and durable than material packed into a cavity by hand. A bonded restoration also seals the tooth against the decay that got in the first time.
- What is the difference between an onlay and a crown?
- An onlay covers only part of the tooth and preserves more natural enamel, while a crown covers the whole tooth. An onlay extends over one or more cusps and replaces only what was lost, so the healthy enamel around it stays where it is. A crown means reducing the whole tooth, so where an onlay will do the job, it is the more conservative choice.
- Will the restoration match my tooth color?
- Yes, each inlay and onlay is shade-matched to your own teeth. It is made in porcelain, ceramic or composite, and when it is bonded in, it is polished to match the surface of the tooth. Porcelain and ceramic are also stain-resistant, so they hold their color.
- Is the procedure painful?
- No, the procedure is not painful, because we numb the area and the technique is minimally invasive. Only the decay or damage is removed, so the healthy tooth around it is left alone. We take an iTero digital scan instead of an impression tray, and a temporary restoration protects the tooth until your custom one is ready.
- How long do inlays and onlays last?
- With good oral care, inlays and onlays often last ten to twenty years or more. Porcelain and ceramic are stain-resistant and hold their color, and the bond seals the tooth against fresh decay. They hold up well even on the molars and premolars doing the heaviest chewing.
- Are inlays and onlays safe for back teeth?
- Yes, inlays and onlays are ideal for molars and premolars, where chewing strength matters most. They are made in high-strength porcelain, ceramic or composite and bonded into place, which makes them stronger than a filling. Even on the back teeth, they commonly last ten to twenty years or more with good care.
- Can I eat normally after the procedure?
- Yes, once it is bonded the tooth functions normally, with no dietary restrictions. At the second visit the temporary comes off, your custom inlay or onlay is bonded in, and the bite is checked and polished. Because the bite is checked before you leave, the tooth is ready to use straight away.
- What materials are used?
- Inlays and onlays are made in porcelain, ceramic or composite, chosen for the tooth and the load it carries. All three are made outside the mouth to fit a digital scan and then bonded into place. Porcelain and ceramic are stain-resistant and hold their color.
- Will insurance cover inlays or onlays?
- Many insurance plans offer partial coverage for inlays and onlays. We explain your benefits before treatment, so you know what your plan includes before anything is done.
- Which areas do you serve?
- We serve Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Grand Prairie and nearby South Dallas communities. Inlays and onlays are made from an iTero digital scan and fitted over two visits.
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