Inlays and onlays are very durable – often stronger and longer-lasting than traditional fillings. They can withstand chewing forces for 10–20 years or more with proper care.
Inlays, Onlays & Overlays in Calgary
Conservative, Strong Alternatives to Crowns
When a tooth has more damage or decay than a simple filling can fix but doesn’t yet require a full crown, inlays, onlays, and overlays offer a perfect middle-ground solution. At Buffalo Run Dental, we provide these custom restorations to repair teeth conservatively while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Inlays fit into the grooves of a tooth (between the cusps), onlays cover one or more of the tooth’s cusps, and overlays cover most of the chewing surface – essentially a larger onlay that approaches the coverage of a crown. These restorations are sometimes called “partial crowns.” They are precision-crafted from strong, tooth-coloured materials (like porcelain or high-strength composite) and bonded to your tooth to restore its shape and strength.
Request an Appointment
Have a large cavity or an old, failing filling? An inlay, onlay, or overlay might be the ideal way to restore your tooth. Contact Buffalo Run Dental to schedule an appointment and determine whether a partial-crown restoration is right for you.
Benefits of Inlays, Onlays & Overlays
Durability and strength
Conservative treatment
These restorations require removing only the damaged portion of your tooth, preserving more healthy enamel and dentin compared to a complete crown preparation. By saving more of your natural tooth structure, your tooth stays stronger overall.
Natural appearance
We match the material of your inlay/onlay to the colour of your tooth, so it blends in seamlessly. Most people won’t even notice you have a restoration, as the porcelain or resin can closely mimic your tooth’s natural shade and shine.
Secure, custom fit
Because inlays and onlays are custom-made from impressions of your tooth, they fit precisely into place. They are bonded tightly, which helps seal out bacteria and prevent further decay around the restored area.
Improved comfort
A well-fitted inlay or onlay restores the tooth’s anatomy perfectly, so you can bite and chew comfortably without the tooth feeling “off” or sensitive.
What to Expect with Inlays, Onlays & Overlays
What to expect: Getting an inlay or onlay usually involves two appointments. During the first visit, we will numb the area and remove the decayed or damaged parts of the tooth, similar to preparing for a filling. Next, we take a detailed impression of the tooth. This mold (or digital scan) is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom inlay/onlay is fabricated to exactly fit the prepared area of your tooth. We place a temporary filling or onlay on the tooth to protect it in the meantime. Once your permanent restoration is ready (usually in a week or two), you return for the second visit. We test the fit and appearance of the inlay/onlay, then bond it onto your tooth with a strong dental cement. Finally, we polish the restoration and check your bite to ensure everything feels natural. After the procedure, your tooth will be strong and intact, looking as if nothing ever happened – except now it’s healthy and cavity-free!
