10901 W. Toller Dr., Suite 100, Littleton, CO 80127 
303-933-2066 Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown, and some teeth need more support than a standard filling can provide. Dental inlays and onlays offer a middle-ground restorative option that can rebuild damaged areas while preserving more of the healthy tooth structure.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, our dentist, Dr. LeJon Carreon, provides dental inlays and onlays in Littleton, CO, for teeth affected by decay, wear or other damage. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation and find out whether an inlay or onlay could restore your tooth.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth needs more repair than a filling can provide but does not require full coverage with a crown. They are sometimes called partial crowns because they restore only the damaged portion of the tooth.
Inlays and onlays may be made from materials such as porcelain, composite resin or gold. The restoration is designed to fit the prepared area closely and restore strength, function and appearance while conserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
What Is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
The difference depends on how much of the chewing surface needs to be restored.
- Dental inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth and do not extend over the cusps, or raised points, of the chewing surface.
- Dental onlays restore a larger area and extend over one or more cusps when damage reaches those portions of the tooth.
Our dentist will examine the tooth and determine which type of restoration provides enough coverage while preserving as much natural structure as possible.
When Is an Inlay or Onlay Recommended?
An inlay or onlay may be considered when decay, a fracture or an older restoration has weakened part of a tooth but enough healthy structure remains to avoid a full crown.
These restorations may be useful when:
- A cavity is too large for a routine filling
- A portion of the chewing surface has fractured or weakened
- An existing filling has failed or needs to be replaced
- The tooth needs additional reinforcement without full crown coverage
- Preserving healthy tooth structure is a priority
Benefits of Dental Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are designed to restore damaged areas without covering more of the tooth than necessary. Depending on the tooth and material used, benefits may include:
- Preservation of more natural tooth structure
- Custom fit for the damaged area
- Improved strength and chewing function
- A natural-looking result when tooth-colored materials are used
- A more conservative alternative to full crown coverage in selected cases
The condition of the tooth will determine whether an inlay, onlay or another type of restorative treatment provides the best support.
Dental Inlays and Onlays vs. Crowns
Inlays and onlays restore only the portion of the tooth that needs repair, while crowns cover more of the visible tooth structure.
A crown may be recommended when a tooth is extensively weakened, fractured or damaged and needs more complete protection. An inlay or onlay may be considered when the tooth still has enough healthy structure to support a more conservative restoration.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your treatment begins with an examination of the damaged tooth. Dr. Carreon will determine how much tooth structure has been affected and whether an inlay or onlay can provide enough support.
The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, and records are taken so the restoration can be made to fit the prepared area. Once the inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Carreon will check its fit and bite before securing it to the tooth.
How Long Can Dental Inlays and Onlays Last?
The lifespan of an inlay or onlay depends on the material used, the amount of chewing pressure placed on the tooth, your oral hygiene habits and other individual factors.
Regular dental cleanings and exams allow our team to monitor the restoration and surrounding tooth structure over time.
Restoring Teeth Conservatively
Dr. Carreon has been practicing dentistry since 2000 and provides restorative care with an emphasis on listening to patients, explaining treatment clearly and preserving healthy tooth structure when possible.
At Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics, the goal is to choose a restoration that gives the tooth the support it needs without automatically removing more natural structure than necessary.
Schedule a Dental Inlay or Onlay Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth, a large area of decay or an older filling that needs attention, contact Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist and find out whether a dental inlay or onlay can restore your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Inlays and Onlays
What are dental inlays and onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that need more support than a filling can provide but do not require full coverage with a crown.
What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?
An inlay restores an area within the cusps of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps when a larger portion of the chewing surface needs repair.
When would I need an inlay or onlay instead of a filling?
An inlay or onlay may be recommended when a cavity, fracture or damaged restoration is too large for a standard filling but the tooth still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown.
How are inlays and onlays different from dental crowns?
Inlays and onlays cover only the damaged portion of the tooth, while crowns cover more of the visible tooth structure. The amount of damage and remaining healthy structure help determine which restoration is needed.
What materials are dental inlays and onlays made from?
Inlays and onlays may be made from porcelain, composite resin or gold. The material selected depends on the tooth being restored, functional needs and cosmetic considerations.
Do dental inlays and onlays look natural?
Tooth-colored materials such as porcelain or composite resin can be selected to blend with the surrounding tooth structure and create a natural-looking restoration.
Can an inlay or onlay help preserve more of my natural tooth?
Yes. One advantage of inlays and onlays is that they restore the damaged portion of a tooth without requiring full coverage when enough healthy structure remains.
Where can I get dental inlays and onlays in Littleton, CO?
Oasis Studio Carreon Dental & Aesthetics provides dental inlays and onlays in Littleton for patients who need conservative repair for damaged or decayed teeth. Call 303-933-2066 to schedule a consultation with our dentist.