Inlays and Onlays

Precision Restorations for a Healthy Smile

Inlays and onlays are conservative dental restorations that repair and strengthen damaged teeth while retaining as much natural tooth structure as possible. North Hill Dental in Richmond Hill, Ontario, offers custom-made inlays and onlays created from premium materials to restore teeth’ appearance and functionality. These restorations are perfect for teeth that don’t require a complete crown but need more support than a filling.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations that adhere to teeth to treat decay or trauma. They are made in a dental lab using materials like porcelain, composite resin, or gold to guarantee a precise fit and natural appearance.

  • Inlays: Fit inside the tooth’s cusps (the raised edges) to fill and restore damaged or decayed areas.
  • Onlays: Extend over one or more cusps, providing additional coverage and strength for larger areas of damage.

Inlays and onlays are both aesthetically beautiful and useful since they are specially made to fit the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.

Types of Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain Inlays and Onlays

Porcelain restorations closely resemble teeth' natural colour and clarity and are incredibly durable. Their strength and visual attractiveness make them a popular choice, particularly for exposed teeth.

Gold Inlays and Onlays

Gold restorations are perfect for molars where chewing pressures are greatest since they are incredibly strong and long-lasting. Despite being less popular for back teeth, gold is still a dependable choice because of its obvious appearance.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite inlays and onlays are composed of tooth-colored resin components. They are more affordable and blend in nicely with the neighbouring teeth, which makes them appropriate for smaller restorations even if they are not as strong as porcelain.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Preserve Natural Tooth Structure

These restorations are a more conservative course of therapy because they involve less destruction of healthy tooth structure than crowns.

Durable and Long-Lasting

High-quality materials provide inlays and onlays with exceptional durability, preventing wear. With the right maintenance, they last for many years.

Inlays and Onlays 3

Natural Appearance

When combined with natural teeth, porcelain and composite materials restore both appearance and functionality.

Enhanced Strength

Inlays and onlays reinforce the tooth's structure by firmly adhering to it, lowering the chance of future damage or fractures.

Who Is a Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?

Here are key criteria for patients who may benefit from inlays and onlays:

Large Cavities

Inlays or onlays may be the best option for patients whose cavities are too large for a conventional filling but not severe enough for a crown.

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Inlays and onlays can stabilize and repair teeth with cracks or fractures to prevent additional damage and restore strength.

Worn or Damaged Fillings

Inlays or onlays offer a more long-lasting and visually beautiful option if your old or worn fillings need to be replaced.

Desire for a Conservative Option

Patients may favour inlays and onlays over crowns to save as much of their original tooth structure as possible.

The Inlay and Onlay Procedure

Getting an inlay or onlay typically involves two visits:

We remove the decay or damage and prepare the tooth for restoration. Then, we take an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to craft your custom inlay or onlay. To protect the tooth, we place a temporary filling until the permanent restoration is ready.

Once the inlay or onlay is ready, we check its fit, color, and alignment to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
The restoration is bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive, and we polish the surface for a smooth, natural finish.

Why Choose North Hill Dental?

Personalized Care

We believe in creating personalized dental experiences. Our team listens to your needs, addresses your concerns, and tailors treatments to ensure each visit is comfortable and stress-free.

Comprehensive Services

From preventive care to cosmetic and restorative treatments, we offer a full range of dental services under one roof, providing you with the convenience and continuity of care you deserve.

Advanced Technology

Our clinic uses state-of-the-art dental technology to enhance accuracy, improve comfort, and deliver exceptional results. With the latest advancements, we ensure each treatment is efficient.

Experienced Team

Our skilled dental professionals bring years of experience and genuine care to every appointment. We are dedicated to making each patient feel valued and confident in their dental care journey.

Restore Your Smile with Inlays and Onlays at North Hill Dental

Inlays and onlays can be the ideal option for restoring damaged teeth if you’re searching for a long-lasting, realistic-looking remedy. At North Hill Dental in Richmond Hill, Ontario, we offer personalized restorations that will improve your smile and protect your natural tooth structure.
To arrange your consultation and discover how inlays and onlays can enhance your confidence and oral health, call us.

FAQs

An inlay fits within the cusps (raised edges) of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to cover a larger area of damage. Both are custom-made restorations.

With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years or more. Their durability depends on the material used and your oral hygiene habits.

Inlays and onlays are often more durable and longer-lasting than traditional fillings. They provide a stronger bond to the tooth and preserve more of its natural structure.

Yes, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite resin can be color-matched to your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing restoration.