When you think of repairing a damaged tooth, you probably imagine one of two things: a simple filling or a full crown. But what if we told you there’s a “just right” option in between, stronger than a filling, less invasive than a crown, and designed to last for years?
Meet inlays and onlays, the dental dream team you didn’t even know you needed. At McCullough Dental, we use these precision restorations to repair teeth in a way that blends strength, beauty, and tooth-saving technology.
Meet the Dynamic Duo: Inlays and Onlays
Both inlays and onlays are custom-made pieces that fit perfectly into or onto your tooth to restore its strength and function. They’re made from high-quality materials like porcelain, composite resin, or sometimes gold, meaning they’re strong enough to handle daily chewing while still looking natural.
- Inlays: Like a puzzle piece that fits inside the cusps (raised edges) of your tooth
- Onlays: The more extensive option that covers one or more cusps, acting like a partial crown
Both are bonded directly to your tooth, creating a restoration that’s strong, sleek, and built to last.
Fillings Vs. Crowns. Vs. Inlays & Onlays
If fillings are like patching a hole in your favorite jeans, and crowns are like buying a whole new pair, inlays and onlays are the perfect tailor-made fix.
- Compared to Fillings: Great for small spots, but too big a filling can weaken your tooth. Inlays/onlays strengthen instead.
- Compared to Crowns: Crowns require reshaping the whole tooth, while inlays/onlays keep as much of your natural tooth as possible.
It’s the best of both worlds: crown-level strength, with a filling’s conservation of healthy tooth structure.
How We Craft the Perfect Fit at McCullough Dental
Here’s the behind-the-scenes of our approach:
- The Consultation We check out your tooth and talk game plan.
- Prep Time: We gently remove the damaged area, leaving as much healthy tooth as possible.
- Smile Blueprint: We take a super precise impression or scan so your piece fits perfectly.
- Custom Creation: Your inlay/onlay is made just for you, either in a dental lab or right here in our office.
- The Big Reveal: We bond it in place, polish it up, and send you home with a tooth that’s ready for action.
Your comfort is our priority throughout this process.
Why Patients Are Obsessed
Here’s what our patients love about inlays/onlays:
- They look like your natural teeth—seriously, no one will know
- They’re tough enough for serious chewing (bring on the steak)
- They can last a decade or more with good care
- They save more of your real tooth than a crown does
Should I Get an Inlay/Onlyay?
This treatment could be right for you if you
- Have a crack or big cavity, but most of your tooth is still healthy
- Have been told you need a crown, but want to keep more of your natural tooth
- Are looking for a repair that’s strong, long-lasting, and great-looking
Keep That Smile Shining
No special maintenance, just your usual brush, floss, and visit us for regular checkups. Oh, and maybe skip chewing ice cubes or opening packages with your teeth (yes, we see you).
Don’t Ignore This Dental Duo
Inlays and onlays might not have the same fame as crowns or fillings, but they’re the unsung heroes of tooth repair. They’re strong, beautiful, and preserve a lot of your natural teeth—more than you might expect!
So if you ever find yourself between a filling and a crown, remember, there’s a dream team waiting for you at McCullough Dental! Call us now to schedule a consultation.