Inlays, overlays, and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that have moderate decay or damage — too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. At Jesus Is The Answer Dental Clinic, we use high-quality materials to restore your tooth's strength, shape, and appearance while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations — meaning they are fabricated in a dental laboratory from an impression of your tooth, then bonded in place during a second visit. They are most commonly made from porcelain, composite resin, or gold. Unlike standard fillings that are molded directly onto the tooth, inlays and onlays provide a more precise fit and greater durability.

Inlays: Fit inside the grooves (between the cusps) of your tooth. They are ideal when the decay or damage is contained within the top surface and does not extend over the chewing edges.

Onlays: Also called partial crowns, onlays cover one or more of the tooth's cusps (the pointed chewing surfaces). They extend further than inlays and are used when more of the tooth structure needs protection.

Overlays: A type of onlay that covers the entire chewing surface of the tooth, offering even more coverage and protection while still preserving more natural tooth than a full crown.

Your dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay if you have:

We follow a precise, gentle process to ensure your inlay or onlay fits perfectly and lasts for years:

1. Preparation: The decayed or damaged area is carefully removed, and the tooth is shaped to accommodate the restoration.

2. Impression: A digital or physical impression is taken and sent to our dental laboratory.

3. Temporary Restoration: A temporary inlay or onlay is placed to protect your tooth while the permanent one is being crafted.

4. Bonding: On your second visit, the custom-made restoration is precisely bonded to your tooth using advanced dental cement.