Restore Strength Without Removing the Whole Tooth

When a tooth is too damaged for a simple filling but doesn’t need a full crown, an inlay or onlay offers the perfect in-between solution. At Brookhaven Dental in Norman, OK, we craft custom porcelain inlays and onlays that strengthen and restore your tooth while preserving more of its natural structure.

Often called “partial crowns,” inlays and onlays are made from durable, tooth-colored materials and bonded directly to the tooth for a long-lasting fit and natural appearance.

What’s the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

While similar in purpose and material, they differ in coverage:

• Inlays fit inside the grooves of the tooth (within the cusps), much like a filling but stronger and more precise.
  
• Onlays cover one or more cusps of the tooth, making them ideal for larger restorations without needing a full crown.
  

Both are custom-fabricated outside the mouth (usually in a lab) and then permanently bonded in place.

We may recommend an inlay or onlay if:

• A composite filling won’t provide enough strength
  
• A tooth has mild to moderate damage or decay
  
• You’ve cracked a tooth but still have strong surrounding structure
  
• You want a long-lasting, aesthetic alternative to metal fillings
  

The Inlay/Onlay Process

Treatment usually takes two appointments:

1. Preparation & Impressions
   The damaged or decayed area is removed, and the tooth is shaped for restoration. We take digital impressions to design your inlay or onlay for a perfect fit.
   
2. Temporary Protection
   A temporary material is placed over the tooth while your restoration is created in a dental lab.
   
3. Final Placement
   At your second visit, we bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth, ensuring proper alignment, comfort, and bite.
   

Like our porcelain crowns, your final restoration is color-matched and polished for a seamless look.

Why Choose Inlays or Onlays?

Compared to traditional fillings, inlays and onlays offer:

• Greater strength and longevity
  
• Better protection for the tooth
  
• A precise, custom fit
  
• Reduced need for full tooth coverage (as with crowns)
  
• Beautiful, natural appearance
  

They're especially useful for restoring molars or premolars exposed to heavy chewing forces.

If your tooth is cracked, worn, or at risk of breaking, ask us if a custom inlay or onlay is right for you.

Caring for Your Restoration

Inlays and onlays can last 10–20 years or more with proper care. To protect your investment:

• Brush and floss daily
  
• Visit us for routine dental cleanings and exams
  
• Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, pens, etc.)
  
• Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  

We’ll evaluate your restorations at every visit to ensure they remain secure and functional.

Serving Patients Throughout Norman and Surrounding Areas

Brookhaven Dental proudly offers advanced restorative care — including inlays and onlays — to patients in:

• Norman
  
• Moore
  
• Noble
  
• Goldsby
  
• Hall Park
  
• Cleveland County
  

We accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, and provide financing through:

• Cherry
  
• CareCredit
  
• Alphaloan
  
• Membership Plan
  

Find the Right Solution for Your Tooth

Not sure if you need a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown? We’ll walk you through all options and recommend what’s best based on your specific needs and goals.