Conservative
Preserves more healthy tooth structure than a crown would.
Stronger than a filling, more conservative than a crown — the right answer when a tooth needs more than a simple repair but doesn't need a full cap.
Inlays and onlays are custom porcelain or composite restorations made in a lab and bonded to a tooth — fitting more precisely than a direct filling but preserving more of the tooth than a crown.
An inlay fits inside the cusps of a back tooth. An onlay extends over one or more cusps to provide additional structural support. Both are excellent options when a filling would be too large but a crown is more than necessary.
Stronger than a filling, more conservative than a crown — the right answer when something in between is what's needed.
A glance at the space and care behind every inlays & onlays visit at Minty Smiles.
Every patient gets the same unhurried, step-by-step process. No surprises, no fine print — you know what's happening before it happens.
The damaged or decayed portion is removed and the tooth is shaped to receive the inlay or onlay.
A digital or traditional impression captures the exact preparation, then goes to the lab.
A temporary restoration protects the tooth while the final piece is fabricated over 2–3 weeks.
The custom inlay or onlay is checked for fit, then bonded into place with strong dental cement.
The benefits aren't theoretical. Here's what changes for you in the weeks and months after treatment.
Preserves more healthy tooth structure than a crown would.
Lab-made porcelain or composite is stronger and more wear-resistant than direct-placed filling material.
Quality inlays and onlays routinely last 15+ years with normal care.
Porcelain matches the color and translucency of natural enamel — virtually invisible in the mouth.
Inlays and onlays are typically covered at 50% by dental insurance. We always provide a written estimate so you can compare the cost against a standard filling or crown.
Treatments that frequently come up alongside Inlays & Onlays — explore what's relevant to your case.