A tiny chip, a stubborn cavity, or a hairline fracture can sneak up on any smile. Ignoring that damage often leads to deeper decay, infection, or even tooth loss. The good news is that modern restorative dentistry offers custom-crafted solutions that blend seamlessly with natural enamel—while protecting the tooth for years to come. If you have damage that a traditional filling can’t handle, three reliable options rise to the top: inlays, onlays, and crowns. Understanding how each one works will help you decide, alongside Dr. Sander I. White and our Advanced Dental Concepts team, which restoration best fits your situation.
Fillings do an excellent job sealing a small cavity, but they rely on healthy surrounding enamel for support. When a cavity spreads across multiple surfaces, or a portion of the tooth breaks away, a larger, lab-made restoration is safer and more durable. These custom pieces:
Skipping a proper restoration risks ongoing sensitivity, additional fractures, or infection that may require root-canal therapy later. Addressing the issue early keeps treatment conservative—and keeps your smile looking and feeling great.
An inlay sits inside the tooth’s chewing surface, filling the space between its four “walls.” Picture it as a puzzle piece that replaces the compromised inner portion without touching the cusps (the pointed edges).
Porcelain, zirconia, or high-strength composite resins are digitally milled or pressed in a lab (or sometimes in-office with CAD/CAM). Each inlay is color-matched to surrounding enamel for a natural look.
Inlays work only when the tooth’s cusps are sound. If damage reaches a cusp, an onlay or crown offers better coverage.
An onlay does everything an inlay does—and then some. It extends over one or more cusps, acting almost like a protective cap while leaving untouched portions of enamel intact.
Onlays use the same high-strength, tooth-colored materials as inlays. Because they cover a larger surface, precise digital scanning and milling are critical for a snug, comfortable fit.
If damage wraps around the entire tooth or compromises multiple cusps, upgrading to a crown may be wiser for long-term durability.
A crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth—360 degrees. Think of it as a custom helmet that absorbs biting forces and seals the underlying structure.
Because crowns require more enamel removal, Dr. White recommends them only when tooth structure is too compromised for an onlay.
| Feature | Inlay | Onlay | Crown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Inside the cusps | Inside + one or more cusps | Entire tooth surface |
| Tooth Preservation | Highest | Moderate-to-high | Moderate |
| Strength | Excellent for small-to-medium repairs | Very high | Maximum |
| Typical Uses | Moderate cavity, contained fracture | Large cavity, weakened cusps | Extensive decay, post-root-canal, cracked tooth |
| Longevity | 10+ years with proper care | 10–15+ years | 15+ years |
| Appointment Count | 1–2 | 1–2 | 1–2 (same-day option possible) |
Every mouth is unique, so these figures are general guidelines. The right choice hinges on a careful evaluation of your tooth’s remaining structure, bite, and esthetic goals.
At Advanced Dental Concepts, preserving healthy enamel is a priority. Here’s how we help you decide:
A custom restoration is an investment in oral health. Protect it by:
Yes. Porcelain and zirconia are color-matched to neighboring enamel, reflecting light like a natural tooth.
With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, many last well beyond a decade—crowns often 15 years or more.
We take steps—such as using gentle local anesthesia and distraction techniques—to keep you relaxed from start to finish.
Most patients resume normal activities the same day, especially if a same-visit restoration eliminates the need for a temporary.
A damaged tooth doesn’t have to dictate your diet—or your confidence. Schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. White to explore whether an inlay, onlay, or crown is the smart move for your smile. Call Advanced Dental Concepts or request an appointment online today. Our friendly team looks forward to helping you enjoy comfortable chewing, long-lasting strength, and a smile that feels just right.
