Inlays/Onlays

Inlays and Onlays – Strong, Long-Lasting Tooth Repairs

When a tooth has more damage or decay than a simple filling can fix — but doesn’t need a full crown — inlays and onlays are often the ideal solution. At Integrated Dental Care, we use these custom-made restorations to protect and strengthen teeth while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom restorations created in a dental lab using strong, long-lasting materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold. They are designed to fit your tooth perfectly and are bonded in place for a secure, natural-looking result.

• Inlays fit inside the grooves of a tooth (within the cusps) where damage is limited to the centre.

• Onlays, sometimes called partial crowns, cover a larger area and may extend over one or more of the tooth’s cusps (the pointed parts on the chewing surface).

When Are Inlays or Onlays Needed?

These restorations are ideal when:

• There’s too much damage or decay for a regular filling

• You want a more durable, long-term solution

• You’d like to avoid a full crown and preserve more of your natural tooth

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

• Strong and durable – Designed to handle everyday chewing forces

• Long-lasting – Often last longer than traditional fillings

• Tooth-conserving – Require less removal of healthy tooth than crowns

• Natural-looking – Can be colour-matched to blend with your smile

• Reinforcing – Strengthen the tooth and help prevent future damage

What to Expect

Getting an inlay or onlay usually takes two appointments:

1. First visit – We remove the decayed or damaged part of the tooth and take a digital or physical impression.

2. Second visit – Once your custom inlay or onlay is ready, we bond it to your tooth and make sure it fits comfortably and looks great.

A Trusted Solution for Moderate Tooth Damage

Inlays and onlays are a reliable, aesthetic way to restore teeth that are too damaged for a filling but not quite ready for a crown. They offer the perfect balance between strength, beauty, and preservation — helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.