Inlays & Onlays

Inlays or onlays are laboratory made restorations that are placed on teeth when the cavity or lost tooth structure is too large to be restored by a simple filling. The process of making an Inlay is very similar to a crown. After the tooth is prepared it is cemented or bonded to the tooth

There are different materials that inlays are made of: gold, porcelain, and composite resins are among them. In our office we only make composite and porcelain inlays and onlays.  Porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are cosmetic alternatives to fillings and a healthy alternative to a crown when indicated.  They are stronger compared to regular white fillings and oftentimes offer a conservative dental solution to a problem not answered by a simple white filling.  

Dr. Collins will explain to you when an inlay or onlay is a good treatment option for you. In general, inlays and onlays can replace most of back teeth fillings, provide a better alternative to a conventional filling, and at the same time they are more conservative than crowns.

As far as the cost is concerned, because the process of making an inlay or onlay is similar to a crown, its cost is also comparable to a crown as is its durability.  Each case is individual so when you are being evaluated by Dr. Collins she will determine what is the best course of treatment to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible.