Inlays & Onlays in Tucson, AZ
Durable, Conservative Restorations for Damaged Teeth
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not quite in need of a crown, inlays and onlays offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution. At Ironwood Dental in Tucson, we use high-quality materials and precision-matched restorations to restore strength and structure to teeth affected by decay, wear, or fracture. These conservative alternatives to full crowns preserve more of your natural tooth while delivering long-term durability and natural appearance. We proudly serve patients from Oro Valley, Casas Adobes, Marana, Catalina Foothills, and throughout the greater Tucson area with restorative solutions tailored to both function and aesthetics.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations crafted outside the mouth—typically from porcelain or composite resin—then bonded to the tooth. They're often referred to as “indirect fillings” because they require fabrication in a lab or with advanced dental technology rather than being placed directly like a traditional filling.
- Inlays fit within the grooves of the tooth’s biting surface and do not extend over the cusps.
- Onlays cover a larger portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps, offering added support for weakened structures.
These restorations offer a seamless blend with your natural teeth and are highly resistant to wear and staining.
When Are Inlays or Onlays Recommended?
Inlays and onlays are ideal when a tooth:
- Has a large cavity that exceeds what a regular filling can support
- Is structurally compromised but doesn’t require a full dental crown
- Has an existing filling that needs to be replaced with something more stable
- Needs reinforcement without removing as much natural enamel as a crown would require
During your exam, we’ll determine whether this type of restoration is appropriate or if another option like a crown or composite bonding is better suited for your needs.
The Treatment Process
Receiving an inlay or onlay typically involves two visits:
- Tooth Preparation – We remove decay or damaged material and take a digital impression using our iTero scanner. A temporary filling is placed to protect the area.
- Restoration Placement – Once your inlay or onlay is ready, we remove the temporary and bond the restoration into place using a strong dental adhesive. The final result is polished and adjusted for a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
The entire process is straightforward, and thanks to our investment in advanced scanning and digital technology, it’s more accurate and comfortable than ever before.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
These restorations provide a balance between conservation and reinforcement. Patients choose inlays and onlays because they:
- Preserve more natural tooth structure than full crowns
- Provide greater strength than composite fillings
- Resist staining and wear over time
- Are custom-designed to match your natural bite and color
- Help extend the life of a damaged tooth
When maintained with good oral hygiene and routine cleanings, they can last 10–15 years or more.
Advanced, Patient-Focused Restorative Care
At Ironwood Dental, Dr. Karley Schneider, Dr. Alyssa Holmes, and Dr. Alexander Ordoñez work closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans that protect oral health while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible. Our commitment to modern materials and conservative techniques ensures that every restoration fits comfortably and functions reliably for years to come.
We often recommend inlays and onlays as part of broader restorative care, including root canal treatment, dental implants, and smile makeovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?
For larger areas of decay or damage, yes. Inlays and onlays provide more strength and durability than standard fillings, especially on molars that absorb a lot of pressure during chewing.
Will they match my tooth color?
Yes. We use high-quality porcelain or composite materials that are color-matched to your natural teeth for a seamless appearance.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With proper care, these restorations can last 10–15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene, habits, and bite pressure.
Are inlays and onlays covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost, especially when the restoration is medically necessary. Our office can help you verify your benefits before treatment begins.
Is the procedure painful?
No. We use local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during the preparation phase, and the bonding visit is generally pain-free.
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Restore Your Smile with Custom Inlays and Onlays
If you have a damaged tooth that needs more than a filling—but not quite a crown—Inlays and onlays may be your best option. At Ironwood Dental, we deliver conservative, long-lasting solutions that preserve your natural smile and restore full function.
Call 520-888-2900 or request an appointment online to learn more about this treatment and how it fits into your personalized care plan.