Inlays & onlays · Raleigh & Wake Forest

Inlays & Onlays in Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

A durable middle ground between a filling and a crown.

When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need a full crown, inlays and onlays are a strong, custom-made restoration that preserves more of your natural tooth. Available at all four Village Dental offices.

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Custom ceramic inlay restoration at Village Dental in Raleigh, NC

The basics

What are inlays and onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations bonded to a damaged tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth; an onlay extends over one or more cusps.

They’re used for decay or damage too large for a filling but not extensive enough to require a full crown — sometimes called partial crowns.

Made from durable tooth-colored materials, they restore strength while preserving more natural tooth than a full crown would.

Why it helps

The benefits

Conserves toothKeeps more of your natural tooth.

Very durableStrong, long-lasting restoration.

Natural-lookingTooth-colored materials blend in.

StrengthensRestores the tooth’s strength.

What to expect

How it works

PrepareWe remove decay and shape the tooth.

FitWe take an impression and place a temporary.

BondWe bond your custom inlay or onlay.

Is it right for you?

An inlay or onlay may suit you if…

You have decay or damage too big for a filling
But not extensive enough for a full crown
You want to preserve natural tooth structure
Your tooth is otherwise sound

Where to get it

Available at all four Triangle offices

Every Village Dental office offers inlays and onlays. Choose the location nearest you to book:Olde Raleigh North Raleigh Brier Creek Wake Forest

Good to know

Frequently asked

What’s the difference between an inlay, onlay, and crown?

An inlay sits within the tooth’s cusps, an onlay covers one or more cusps, and a crown covers the whole tooth. Inlays and onlays preserve more natural tooth than a crown.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

With good care, they commonly last many years — often longer than a large filling.

Are they better than a filling?

For larger areas of damage, yes — they’re stronger and more durable than a large filling.

Do they look natural?

Yes. They’re made from tooth-colored materials shaded to match your tooth.

Does the procedure hurt?

The tooth is numbed, so it’s comfortable. Some brief sensitivity afterward is normal.

Which offices offer inlays and onlays?

All four Village Dental offices offer inlays and onlays.

Tooth too damaged for a filling?

Book at any of our four Triangle offices and we’ll restore it while preserving your natural tooth.