Inlays & Onlays

A cavity or crack that is too large for a simple filling does not always mean you need a full crown. When a back tooth has moderate damage to its chewing surface, an inlay or an onlay can restore its strength and function while preserving more of your natural tooth than a crown would require.

Dr. Lori Rice, DDS, who has led Pine Glen Dental Group for more than two decades, and Dr. Jacey Thelen, DDS, a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who joined the practice in 2026, work with each patient individually to determine whether a filling, an inlay, an onlay, or a crown is the right fit for a damaged tooth.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that sit between a filling and a crown in terms of how much of the tooth they cover. An inlay fits within the cusps, or raised points, of a back tooth, restoring the central chewing surface. An onlay covers more ground, extending over one or more cusps when the damage is too extensive for an inlay alone.

Unlike a traditional filling, which is shaped directly in the tooth during a single visit, an inlay or onlay is fabricated outside the mouth from porcelain and then bonded to the prepared tooth structure with a strong resin. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth-colored restorative materials have become increasingly common as an alternative to traditional filling materials, and dental restorations generally do not last a lifetime, which is part of why choosing the right type of restoration for the extent of the damage matters.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain inlays and onlays offer several advantages over other types of restorations:

• Natural appearance: porcelain is shaded to match your surrounding teeth
• Strength: bonding the restoration to the tooth can add strength compared to a traditional filling
• Conservative approach: more natural tooth structure is preserved than with a full crown
• Stain resistance: porcelain resists staining better than composite material
• Durability: with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, inlays and onlays are designed to hold up well over time

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure

Getting an inlay or onlay typically takes two visits. At the first visit, Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen removes the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth, prepares the remaining structure, and takes an impression that is used to fabricate your custom restoration. A temporary restoration protects the tooth while the permanent piece is made.

At the second visit, the temporary restoration is removed, and the custom inlay or onlay is checked for fit and bite before it is bonded permanently to the tooth and polished for a smooth, natural feel.

Is an Inlay or Onlay Right for You?

An inlay or onlay is often the right choice when a cavity or old filling has failed and the damage is too extensive for a standard filling but does not require the amount of tooth removal a full crown would need. If you have a tooth in this in-between category, our team can examine it and recommend the option that preserves the most healthy tooth structure while restoring long-term function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay restores the central chewing surface within the cusps of a tooth. An onlay covers more of the tooth, extending over one or more cusps when the damage is more extensive.

How long does the inlay or onlay procedure take?

The process typically takes two visits. The first visit prepares the tooth and takes an impression, and the second visit places and bonds your custom restoration.

Are inlays and onlays noticeable?

Porcelain inlays and onlays are shaded to match your natural teeth, so they blend in with the rest of your smile.

Can an old filling be replaced with an inlay or onlay?

Yes. A failing or worn filling is one of the more common reasons Dr. Rice or Dr. Thelen may recommend an inlay or onlay.

How do I know if I need an inlay, an onlay, or a crown?

The right option depends on how much of the tooth structure remains and how much support it needs. Our team examines the tooth and recommends the most conservative option that will still restore it effectively.

Restore Your Smile at Pine Glen Dental Group

Pine Glen Dental Group has served the Peoria community for more than two decades. Dr. Rice and Dr. Thelen bring individualized attention to every restoration, and the practice holds a BBB A+ rating, a 4.7-star Google rating, and has earned recognition as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2018 through 2024.

We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. If you think you may need an inlay, onlay, or other restorative work, contact our team to schedule an exam.