What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, dental inlays and onlays offer a durable, natural-looking solution that preserves more of your natural tooth structure. At Towne Lake Family Dentistry, we offer advanced restorative dentistry in Woodstock to help you maintain a strong, healthy, and confident smile.

Understanding Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma but are not damaged enough to require a full dental crown.

•           Inlays fit within the grooves of your tooth, between the cusps, and are often used when a traditional filling isn’t enough to restore strength.

•           Onlays, sometimes called “partial crowns,” extend over one or more cusps of the tooth, offering more coverage and support.

Both are crafted from durable materials such as porcelain, composite resin, or gold to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth while providing long-lasting protection.

The Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays offer several advantages over traditional fillings or crowns:

•           Preservation of Tooth Structure: They require minimal removal of healthy tooth enamel.

•           Superior Strength: These restorations reinforce the tooth’s structure, preventing future damage.

•           Natural Appearance: They are color-matched to your teeth for a flawless finish.

•           Durability: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for many years - often longer than fillings.

The Process of Getting Inlays or Onlays

The process of getting a dental inlay or onlay begins with a consultation and examination, during which your dentist will carefully assess the condition of your tooth to determine whether an inlay or onlay is the most suitable treatment option.

Next comes the preparation stage. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed, and your dentist takes an impression of the area to ensure the restoration will fit perfectly. During the fabrication phase, your custom inlay or onlay is created in a dental lab using high-quality materials designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural tooth.

Once the restoration is ready, your dentist moves to the placement stage, bonding the inlay or onlay securely to your tooth. The result is a strong, seamless restoration that blends beautifully with your smile. This simple yet effective process restores both the strength and function of your tooth while maintaining a natural, aesthetic appearance.

Ready to Restore Your Smile?

Dental inlays and onlays are a conservative, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing way to restore your smile. Whether you’re dealing with decay, cracks, or worn teeth, Towne Lake Family Dentistry offers personalized restorative dentistry in Woodstock to bring your teeth back to health and beauty.

Enhance your smile’s strength and beauty with dental inlays and onlays from Towne Lake Family Dentistry. Visit our office in Woodstock, Georgia, or call us at (770) 525-8581to book an appointment today.