Ceramic Inlay & Onlay

When a tooth has more damage than a filling can handle, but not enough to need a full crown, a ceramic inlay or onlay offers a conservative middle ground — restoring strength and shape while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Inlay vs. onlay

An inlay fits neatly within the grooves on the chewing surface of a tooth, between the cusps. An onlay covers one or more of those cusps as well, for slightly more extensive damage. Both are custom-crafted from tooth-colored ceramic to blend seamlessly with your smile.

Why choose ceramic

• Preserves more natural tooth structure than a full crown
• Matches the color of your natural teeth — no visible metal or dark edges
• Strong and durable, bonded directly to the tooth for a tight, lasting fit
• Resists staining better than composite fillings over time

The process

Treatment typically takes two visits. At the first, we remove any decay or old restoration, take a precise impression of the prepared tooth, and place a temporary restoration while your custom inlay or onlay is fabricated. At the second visit, we check the fit and color, then bond it permanently in place with a strong resin cement.

Caring for your restoration

With regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, a ceramic inlay or onlay can last many years, standing up well to everyday chewing and wear.

See our post-op care instructions for guidance on caring for your new restoration.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.