Tooth-Colored Inlays & Onlays in West New York, NJ

What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are often called "indirect fillings" because, unlike a standard filling that is molded directly in your mouth, they are fabricated as a single, solid piece in a top-tier dental lab. They are crafted from a digital impression of your tooth for a perfect fit and are typically made from highly durable, tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin.

The difference between them lies in the amount of tooth they cover:

• An Inlay fits within the cusps (the pointed bumps) on the chewing surface of your tooth. It is used to restore a larger area of decay than a filling can handle.

• An Onlay is more extensive and is used when the damage includes one or more of the tooth's cusps. It is sometimes called a "partial crown" because it rebuilds a larger portion of the tooth's structure.

The Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

This advanced restorative option offers several key advantages:

• Superior Strength and Durability: Lab-fabricated from a solid block of material, inlays and onlays are much stronger than direct fillings and can last for many years.

• Conservative Treatment: They allow us to preserve more healthy tooth structure compared to placing a full dental crown.

• A Perfect, Sealed Fit: Because they are custom-made from a digital scan, they fit into the tooth like a puzzle piece, leaving no space for bacteria to enter.

• Natural Aesthetics: Made from tooth-colored materials, they blend seamlessly with your smile for a beautiful, natural look.