Porcelain Inlays & Onlays
The conservative alternative to a crown.
Onlays rebuild only the damaged part of a tooth, preserving healthy structure a crown would remove.
What is porcelain inlays & onlay?
Inlays and onlays are custom porcelain restorations bonded into or onto a tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps; an onlay covers one or more cusps. They're used for damage too big for a filling but not needing a full crown. Their main limitation: they require two visits and a skilled lab.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Large cavities
- Replacing large old fillings
- Cracked cusps
- Moderate tooth damage
Needs extra care or planning
- Extensive damage
- Heavy grinding
- Decay below the gumline
- Teeth needing root canal
When an exam is needed: X-rays and an exam determine the best restoration.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Not for teeth with extensive damage.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Preserves more tooth
- Strong and durable
- Natural look
- Stain-resistant
Disadvantages
- Two visits
- Higher cost than fillings
- Lab time
- Possible debonding
The treatment process
- 1
Prep
Decay and old filling removed.
- 2
Scan
Digital iTero scan.
- 3
Temporary
Temporary placed.
- 4
Bond
Final onlay bonded.
- 5
Adjust
Bite check and polish.
Timeline: Two visits about 2 weeks apart.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Mild sensitivity.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Gentle with temporary
- Brush and floss
- Nightguard if needed
Call us right away if you notice
- Temporary loose
- High bite
- Lingering pain
Longevity and outcomes
Often 10–15+ years.
What affects your result
- Bonding
- Grinding
- Hygiene
Possible complications
- Debonding
- Fracture
- Decay at margins
Cost and payment options
Usually similar to or slightly less than a crown; quoted in writing.
What affects the price
- Size
- Material
- Insurance
- Number of teeth
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Composite filling
For smaller damage.
Crown
For extensive damage.
Monitoring
For small cracks without symptoms.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Inlay vs onlay?+
An onlay covers cusps; an inlay sits within them.
Are they better than crowns?+
When suitable, they save more tooth.
How long do they last?+
10–15+ years.
Does it hurt?+
No, it's done with numbing.
Insurance?+
Often covered like a crown.
Visible?+
No, they're tooth-colored.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →Related treatments
Not sure if you need porcelain inlays & onlays?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit