Inlays and onlays are dental restorations that are more extensive than dental fillings but less so than caps and crowns. They are typically formed in a dental lab and are made of gold, porcelain, or resin depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic goals. Both are bonded to the surface of damaged teeth and matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.
At Smiles of Fort Myers, our dentists can tell you whether an inlay or onlay is the right middle ground between a filling and a crown for a damaged tooth in Fort Myers, FL.
Inlays Compared With Onlays
The difference comes down to how much of the tooth the restoration covers.
Inlay
A restoration formed to fit the center of a tooth.
Onlay
A restoration that encompasses at least one cusp, the rounded surfaces on the top of the tooth.
Filling, Inlay or Onlay, and Crown Compared
| Restoration | Typically Used When |
|---|---|
| Filling | Damage is limited and the tooth can support a filling |
| Inlay or Onlay | Damage is moderate and a filling is not enough, but a crown may be more than you need |
| Crown | Damage is extensive and more of the tooth needs protection |
Inlays and onlays can serve as alternative treatments to dental crowns when you have a broken or damaged tooth, and because they are custom made for each patient, many last longer than traditional fillings. Your dentist can tell you what to expect for your own tooth.
Not sure if you need a filling, an inlay, or a crown? Talk with our team.
Inlay and Onlay Materials
Your restoration can be made from one of three materials, depending on your needs and your aesthetic goals.
Gold
A traditional option for restorations.
Porcelain
Can be matched to the color of the surrounding teeth.
Resin
A tooth-colored material that blends with your smile.
What to Expect When You Get an Inlay or Onlay
Your restoration will be completed over multiple dental visits.
Preparation and Impression
Your tooth is prepared and an impression is taken to serve as a mold.
Temporary Restoration
You may wear a temporary while your permanent restoration is made.
Permanent Bonding
The temporary is removed and the permanent one is bonded to the tooth.
Inlay and Onlay Cost and Financing in Fort Myers
The cost depends on the material you choose and how many teeth need treatment, so an exam is the best way to get an accurate number. We accept most insurance plans, though coverage varies from plan to plan, and we offer 0% APR financing along with our in-house Smile Program membership plan for patients without insurance. You can find more details on our financial information page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Inlays and Onlays in Fort Myers
Schedule Your Visit at Smiles of Fort Myers
If you are ready to talk through your options with our dentists, we would be glad to walk you through what an inlay or onlay could look like for you. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
We speak English and Spanish. Se habla español.
