Porcelain inlays and onlays are another useful restorative tool. Sometimes we can use them to fix a failing filling or use them in place of a permanent crown. Inlays and onlays are considered a more conservative option and have to be milled or created in a lab to ensure a comfortable, precise fit for your smile.

You might be wondering how inlays and onlays work? The truth is that they’re not too different from a crown in how they restore a broken tooth to avoid further damage or decay. How they fit on your teeth has something to do with your cusps. Cusps are the bumps on the tops of your tooth that help create its “rocky” landscape. Porcelain inlays fit between these cusps or bumps while we can extend onlays to fit on or over one or more of your cusps. Not every situation or case is right for an inlay or an only. Your dentist will assess your needs and talk to you about your dental restoration options.