CEREC Inlays & Onlays

A Conservative Alternative to Crowns

When a tooth is too damaged for a traditional filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer the perfect middle ground. These restorations repair and reinforce a damaged tooth while preserving as much of your natural structure as possible. They’re often referred to as “partial crowns” and are ideal for teeth affected by large cavities, cracks, or worn-out fillings.

At our office, we take this one step further with CEREC technology, allowing us to design, create, and place your custom inlay or onlay in just one visit—no temporary fillings, no second appointment, and no waiting on a lab.

What’s the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

• Inlay: Fits within the cusps (the chewing surfaces) of the tooth. Ideal for restoring larger cavities that are too extensive for a standard filling.

• Onlay: Extends over one or more cusps of the tooth. Used when more of the tooth’s surface needs to be covered and reinforced but a full crown is not yet necessary.

Both are crafted from durable, tooth-colored ceramic and bonded to your tooth for a seamless, natural appearance and long-lasting strength.

Why Choose Inlays or Onlays Over Fillings or Crowns?

• Conserves More Natural Tooth: Unlike crowns, which require the removal of a significant portion of the tooth, inlays and onlays allow us to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

• Stronger Than Fillings: Traditional fillings can weaken the remaining tooth over time, especially for large cavities. Inlays and onlays provide reinforced strength and better long-term durability.

• Seamless Fit and Appearance: Made from the same high-quality ceramic as our same-day crowns, CEREC restorations are precisely matched to your natural tooth color and shape.

• Single-Visit Convenience: No temporary restorations, no messy impressions, and no need to take extra time off work or school. We complete the entire process—from digital scan to permanent placement—in one appointment.

The CEREC Advantage

Our state-of-the-art CEREC system allows us to scan your tooth digitally, design your restoration with extreme accuracy, and mill it right here in the office. You walk out with a fully restored tooth that looks and functions just like your natural one.