A traditional filling is great for small to medium decay. A crown is the right answer when too much tooth has been lost. The territory in between — moderate decay, an old failing filling that's gotten bigger, a cusp that's cracked — is exactly where inlays and onlays shine. They're custom-made restorations bonded into or onto the tooth, preserving more of your natural structure than a crown would.
At our Scottsville office, inlays and onlays are typically done in two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second to bond the lab-crafted porcelain in place. The fit is precise, the porcelain is shaded to match, and the result looks and behaves like a strong natural tooth.
We'll walk you through whether an onlay is the right call for your specific situation — sometimes a filling is enough, sometimes a crown makes more sense. The goal is the least amount of work that gets the tooth to a stable, lasting place.
Why it matters
- ✓Preserves more healthy tooth structure than a full crown
- ✓Stronger than a large filling — better at handling chewing forces
- ✓Porcelain shaded to match your tooth, virtually invisible
- ✓Can last 15+ years with good care