What Inlays and Onlays Really Are
Inlays and onlays sit between a filling and a crown in size and scope. An inlay fills the space within the cusps (the raised points) of a back tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to rebuild them. Both are custom-made in a lab or with our in-office CEREC milling machine (so yours can often be made and bonded in a single visit) and fitted right here at our Charlottesville office. The fit is precise down to microns.
Why Porcelain?
Porcelain is stable, stain-resistant, and looks indistinguishable from your natural enamel. Once your inlay or onlay is bonded in place, it becomes an integral part of the tooth — strengthening it against chewing forces and protecting it from decay. Unlike composite fillings, porcelain doesn’t shrink as it cures, so the seal around your restoration is exceptional. And unlike the gold onlays of decades past, porcelain looks right at home in any modern smile.
When an Inlay or Onlay Is the Right Call
An inlay or onlay often shows up in the plan when a filling would be too large to hold up reliably, but a full crown would take more of your tooth than necessary. Common examples: replacing an old silver filling that has cracked the enamel around it, fixing a fractured cusp, or rebuilding a molar that just had a root canal but still has plenty of healthy structure. It’s one of the most conservative ways to restore moderate damage — more of your natural tooth stays intact.
What Your Visit Looks Like
Your appointment starts with gentle removal of any decay or old restoration. A digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken, and your inlay or onlay is either milled right on site with CEREC or crafted by a ceramist at our trusted lab. Once it’s ready, it’s bonded into place with a careful bite adjustment and a smooth polish. Most people forget they even have a restoration within a few days. With routine care, your inlay or onlay can last 20 years or more — one of the best investments you can make in a tooth.