Precision porcelain restorations
Inlays & Onlays
Stronger than fillings, more conservative than crowns.
Inlays and onlays sit between fillings and crowns: precision porcelain restorations bonded into the tooth. They preserve more of your natural tooth than a crown while delivering more strength than a filling.
When they make sense
Large old amalgams that need replacing. Cusp fractures that don’t justify a crown. Patients who want the most conservative durable restoration possible.
The procedure
We remove decay and old filling material, take a digital impression, and craft the inlay or onlay from porcelain. Two visits, typically, with a temporary in between.
Common Questions
Frequently asked
What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay fits inside the cusps (the bumps) of a tooth — replacing damaged tooth structure in the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, covering more of the tooth. Both are bonded into place. The choice depends on how much tooth needs to be restored.
Why pick an inlay/onlay over a filling?
Composite fillings are great for small-to-medium cavities. When the cavity is too large for a filling to hold strength reliably, a precision porcelain inlay or onlay is stronger, more durable (15-20 years vs 5-10 for a large filling), and protects what's left of the tooth from fracture.
Why pick an inlay/onlay over a full crown?
Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth than a full crown does. If the damage is confined to part of the tooth, an inlay/onlay is the more conservative choice. Crowns are reserved for cases where the damage is widespread or after a root canal.
How much do inlays and onlays cost?
Typically $850 to $1,500 per tooth depending on size and material. Most dental insurance covers them at 50% (the same as crowns). CareCredit financing and the Virginia Dental Club's 20% discount both apply.
How many visits does it take?
Two visits, usually. The first visit prepares the tooth and takes a digital impression — you leave with a temporary. About two weeks later, the custom porcelain inlay or onlay arrives and we bond it permanently into place.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Well-cared-for porcelain inlays and onlays commonly last 15 to 20 years — longer than large fillings, comparable to crowns. Grinding, biting hard objects, and inconsistent flossing shorten that lifespan; we'll show you how to protect them.
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