Inlays & Onlays

When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full crown, many people are left wondering which option is best to address the problem. That’s where inlays and onlays come in, offering a precise, durable solution to fill the gap. These solutions restore your tooth’s function and appearance without removing more healthy structure than necessary.

At Pine Glen Dental Group in Peoria, IL, Dr. Lori Rice and Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., have provided thoughtful, personalized restorative dentistry to patients throughout the community for more than two decades. Dr. Rice joined the practice in 2002 and purchased Pine Glen Dental Group in 2012, and Dr. Thelen, a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native, joined the team as an associate dentist in 2026. Together, they share a quality-first philosophy centered on precision and patient care. When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, Pine Glen offers the kind of precision care that protects your smile for the long haul.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated dental restorations that are bonded directly onto a damaged or decayed tooth. They fall somewhere between a standard filling and a full crown in terms of coverage, making them an ideal choice when the damage is moderate but the tooth’s overall structure is still largely intact.

Inlays

An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth, restoring the biting surface of its interior. Think of it as a precisely shaped piece that fills in what’s been lost without affecting the outer edges of the tooth.

Onlays

An onlay covers a larger area, extending over one or more of the tooth’s cusps. Sometimes referred to as a partial crown, an onlay is the right choice when the damage reaches beyond the center of the tooth, but a full crown would remove more healthy structure than needed.

Both restorations are typically made from high-quality porcelain or composite resin and are designed to blend naturally with the surrounding tooth and withstand the daily pressures of chewing. If you have tooth damage that doesn’t fully warrant a crown, our team will discuss inlays and onlays as a potential restorative option.

The Benefits of Choosing Inlays or Onlays

One of the most compelling reasons patients choose inlays and onlays over other restorations is how much healthy tooth they preserve. Unlike full crowns, which require significant reshaping of the entire tooth, inlays and onlays are precisely fitted to affect only the damaged area. This conservative approach supports the long-term health of your tooth.

Additional advantages include:

• Exceptional durability, as porcelain and composite inlays and onlays can last 10 to 30 years with proper care
• A natural appearance that matches the color and translucency of your surrounding teeth
• Improved strength compared to traditional fillings, particularly in larger restorations
• Easy maintenance, as inlays and onlays can be brushed and flossed just like your natural teeth

A systematic review published in the Journal of Dental Research evaluating restorative options for worn teeth found that indirect ceramic restorations demonstrated very low annual failure rates, just 0.09% for minor failures and 0.13% for major failures, supporting their reliability as a durable, long-lasting restorative material. Because these restorations are fabricated outside of the mouth and bonded into place, they also tend to fit more precisely than direct fillings, which can reduce the risk of bacteria entering around the edges over time.

What to Expect During Treatment

The process for placing an inlay or onlay typically takes two appointments at Pine Glen Dental Group. During the first visit, Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen will gently remove any damaged or decayed tooth structure and prepare the tooth. Impressions are taken so the restoration can be custom-made to perfectly fit your tooth. You’ll leave with a temporary restoration while your permanent inlay or onlay is being crafted.

At your second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed, and then your custom restoration is fitted, adjusted as needed, and bonded securely in place. Our dentists use digital impressions at Pine Glen, which means greater accuracy and a more comfortable experience than traditional putty-based impressions. Once the restoration is placed, most patients can resume normal activities right away.

Are Inlays and Onlays Right for You?

Inlays and onlays are a strong option for patients whose teeth have decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple dental filling but doesn’t yet require a crown. They’re also a great choice for patients who have old, failing metal fillings that need to be replaced with something more durable and natural-looking.

Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen will evaluate your tooth during a comprehensive exam and recommend the restoration that makes the most sense for your specific situation. At Pine Glen Dental Group, the goal is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible while delivering a result that lasts.

Choose Pine Glen Dental Group for Restorative Care in Peoria, IL

Pine Glen Dental Group has served the Peoria community for more than two decades, built on a commitment to honest, quality dental care. Dr. Lori Rice graduated top of her class from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2002 and brings exceptional clinical skill to every restoration she places. Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native, joined Pine Glen Dental Group as an associate dentist in 2026, bringing a special interest in restorative dentistry to the team. Our practice holds a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating, and has been recognized as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024.

If you’re dealing with a damaged or decayed tooth and want to explore whether an inlay or onlay is the right fit, we’d love to help you find the best option. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen and restore a stronger, healthier smile in Peoria.