When a tooth needs more structural support than a filling can provide the treatment options include an inlay, onlay or a crown. Inlays and onlays strengthen and protect the tooth just like a crown. The main difference is that inlays and onlays require removal of only the damaged and decayed areas of the tooth while crowns often require removal of additional healthy tooth structure.

Inlays and onlays are made of durable composite material that commonly lasts up to 30 years, much longer than the material in conventional metal fillings. If you would like to know more about inlays and onlays, contact the Preston Dental Center. Our cosmetic dentists provide Cary, Raleigh, and Durham-area family dentistry patients with exceptional care. See similar questions...

We hope that you will find the information you want on this website. You can also call and set up a free consultation so that we may discuss these procedures with you in our office. See similar questions...

Inlays and onlays are used to replace your silver fillings. These restorations are usually made from composite resin material, porcelain, or gold. Once placed, they are virtually undetectable in the mouth, and they conserve much of your natural tooth structure. For an inlay to be successful, it is best if the cavity involves only the occlusal surface (chewing surface) and one proximal surface (surface in between the teeth). The other proximal surface should be free of decay. See similar questions...

With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth...bringing them back to their original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a 'cap', that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. See similar questions...

Dental inlays and onlays are restorative dentistry treatments that are used to repair rear teeth that have experienced mild to moderate amounts of decay. They are also used to restore teeth that are cracked or fractured if the damage is not severe enough to warrant a dental crown. See similar questions...

Porcelain inlays and onlays are custom lab fabricated restorations that are placed in teeth that are too broken down for a filling to be placed. They are extremely esthetic and natural looking and help hold a badly broken down tooth together, actually strengthening it. In some cases they can be used instead of a crown or cap as a more conservative approach to restore a broken down tooth. See similar questions...

With today’s technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or crooked teeth...bringing them back to their original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a “cap” or “thimble” that covers the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they’ve been filled. See similar questions...

With today's technology, materials, and advanced techniques, we have many options for restoring weak, broken, chipped, discolored, and/or missing teeth.bringing your smile back to its original shape and function. For example, we can apply an all-porcelain crown, somewhat like a "cap", to cover the entire outside of the problem tooth. Crowns are also helpful to cover large areas of decay after they've been filled. See similar questions...

Dr. Perkins usually recommends these restorative procedures as part of a permanent restoration. They are more durable, easy on your mouth, and aesthetic looking. You can learn more about these procedures on our Patient Education page. Our Favorite Links page also has a link to Empress® crowns and veneers. Dr. Perkins also recommends visiting the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies website, which has a lot of information on these procedures and others. See similar questions...