Restorative Dentistry
Inlays & Onlays
Between a filling and a crown.
When a back tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown, an inlay or onlay can restore it back to essentially brand new.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
The middle ground for a damaged tooth
When a premolar or molar is damaged by decay or breakage, the choice used to be a filling or, for more extensive damage, a crown. But many teeth fall in the middle: too damaged for a filling, not damaged enough for a crown. Inlays and onlays restore those teeth with a custom porcelain piece made by a dental technician and bonded to the tooth. Because the tooth doesn’t need to be reshaped as much as it would for a crown, more of your natural tooth is preserved. They are so lifelike that another dentist or hygienist can miss the fact that a tooth has been treated.
Two options
Inlay or onlay?
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Inlay
A porcelain replacement for a section of a tooth that is a bit too damaged for just a filling but does not require a full crown.
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Onlay
A porcelain replacement for a section of a tooth damaged to the point where one of the biting or chewing tips, the cusp, needs strengthening or replacement.
How an inlay or onlay is made
Very similar to a crown, an inlay or onlay is made by a dental technician. You wear a temporary piece while the technician creates it, and the dentist then bonds the finished inlay or onlay to your tooth.
- Preserves more of your natural tooth than a crown
- Lifelike porcelain that blends with your smile
- Durable and long lasting with proper hygiene and regular cleanings
Why Choose Marx Family Dental?
We serve patients in Gladstone, Kansas City and the greater Kansas and Missouri communities, with the technology to restore a damaged tooth while keeping as much of it as possible. If the damage turns out to be more extensive, we can discuss a dental crown instead.
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Book your visit
Have a damaged tooth?
If you have a damaged tooth or are experiencing pain, contact our office to learn how an inlay or onlay can help. We will look at the tooth, explain your options and recommend the treatment that keeps the most of your natural tooth.
The short answer
An inlay or onlay is a custom porcelain restoration for a back tooth that is too damaged for a filling but does not need a full crown. A dental technician makes the piece while you wear a temporary, and your dentist then bonds the finished inlay or onlay to the tooth. Because the tooth does not need to be reshaped as much as it would for a crown, more of the natural tooth is preserved, and the lifelike porcelain blends with the rest of your smile.
Inlays & Onlays FAQ
- What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
- The difference is whether a cusp is involved: an inlay replaces a damaged section of a tooth, while an onlay replaces a section where one of the chewing tips, the cusp, needs strengthening or replacement. An inlay suits a tooth that is a bit too damaged for just a filling but does not require a full crown. An onlay extends further to rebuild or reinforce that cusp. Both are custom porcelain pieces made by a dental technician and bonded to the tooth.
- Why choose an inlay or onlay over a crown?
- An inlay or onlay preserves more of your natural tooth than a crown. That is because the tooth does not need to be reshaped as much as it would for a crown, which covers the whole visible tooth. If the damage turns out to be more extensive, your dentist can discuss a dental crown instead.
- Will people be able to tell?
- Most people will not be able to tell, because inlays and onlays are made from lifelike porcelain that blends with your smile. They are so natural-looking that another dentist or hygienist can miss the fact that a tooth has been treated. Each piece is custom-made by a dental technician to fit your tooth.
- How long do they last?
- Inlays and onlays are durable and long lasting with proper hygiene and regular dental cleanings. How long yours lasts depends on how well the tooth and the area around it are cared for each day. Regular cleanings also give your dentist a chance to check the restoration along with the rest of your teeth.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
