Inlays/Onlays

Dental Smile
Natural Looking Teeth

Durable, Natural-Looking Tooth Restorations

Natural Looking Teeth

When a tooth has moderate decay or damage but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a strong, long-lasting, and aesthetic solution. At Sleep Dentistry, we provide custom inlays and onlays in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, restoring the health and appearance of your teeth with precision-crafted restorations.

Inlays

What Are Inlays & Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair damaged teeth while preserving as much natural structure as possible. They are crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or gold and are bonded to the tooth for strength and durability.

✔ Inlays – Used when decay is confined within the cusps (outer edges) of a tooth.

✔ Onlays – Cover a larger area, extending over one or more cusps of the tooth, often referred to as a partial crown.

Inlays

Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

✔ Stronger Than Fillings – Provides better reinforcement for the tooth structure.

✔ Preserves More Natural Tooth – A conservative alternative to full crowns.

✔ Durable & Long-Lasting – Resistant to wear and staining, lasting 10-15 years or longer.

✔ Natural-Looking Aesthetics – Custom-made to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.

✔ Prevents Further Decay & Damage – Protects the tooth from further deterioration.

✔ Better Fit & Functionality – Custom-designed for superior comfort and bite alignment.

Female Thinking about dental work

When Do You Need an Inlay or Onlay?

Female Thinking about dental work

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

✔ A tooth with moderate decay that’s too large for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown.

✔ A fractured or chipped tooth needing structural reinforcement.

✔ Old, failing fillings that need to be replaced with a stronger alternative.

✔ A weakened tooth that requires additional support without excessive enamel removal.

Dental Consultation

Caring for Your Inlay or Onlay

✔ Brush and floss daily to maintain oral hygiene.

✔ Avoid chewing hard foods (ice, hard candy) that could damage the restoration.

✔ Schedule regular dental checkups to ensure your restoration remains in top condition.

✔ Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth to protect against damage.

Dental Consultation

Our Inlay & Onlay Process

1. Consultation & Digital Imaging

We start with a thorough exam and digital x-rays if an inlay or onlay is the best solution for your tooth.

2. Tooth Preparation

The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is gently removed, then a digital impressions is taken to custom-design your inlay or onlay. A temporary restoration may be placed while your final inlay or onlay is fabricated.

3. Custom Fabrication

Your inlay or onlay is created from high-quality materials to match your tooth’s shape, size, and color (if not using gold).

4. Bonding & Final Placement

The custom inlay or onlay is permanently bonded to the tooth for a secure, long-lasting fit. The restoration is polished and adjusted to ensure a comfortable bite.

Natural Looking Inlays and Outlays

Inlays & Onlays vs. Fillings & Crowns

Natural Looking Inlays and Outlays

✔ More Durable Than Fillings – Fillings can wear down or weaken over time, while inlays and onlays provide long-term strength.

✔ Less Invasive Than Crowns – Crowns require significant enamel removal, whereas inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth structure.

✔ Better Protection Than Traditional Fillings – They create a tight seal against bacteria and decay.

Restore Your Smile with Inlays & Onlays

If you need a stronger and more durable alternative to fillings, inlays and onlays offer a custom, long-lasting solution for damaged teeth. At Sleep Dentistry, we provide expertly crafted restorations to enhance both function and aesthetics.

Schedule your consultation today at our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA locations to restore your smile with precision-crafted inlays and onlays!