Inlays and Onlays in Buckhead

Restore damaged teeth with precision using inlays and onlays in Buckhead, durable, natural-looking restorations that strengthen your smile while preserving healthy tooth structure.

As Seen On

When a tooth suffers from moderate damage or decay, restorative dentistry offers several solutions to preserve your natural tooth structure. Inlays and onlays provide a middle ground between fillings and crowns. These custom restorations fit precisely into or onto your tooth, restoring both function and appearance while maintaining as much of your natural tooth as possible.

At Ponce Dental Studio, we create inlays and onlays using advanced digital technology and quality materials in Buckhead, Georgia. These restorations preserve more of your natural tooth than crowns do. They’re also more durable than traditional fillings, often lasting 15 to 30 years with proper care. Our approach focuses on preserving your natural tooth structure while delivering restorations built to last.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, meaning they’re fabricated outside your mouth before being bonded to your tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth, similar to a filling but more durable. Think of an inlay as a precision-fitted puzzle piece filling the interior space of your tooth.

An onlay extends over one or more cusps, providing additional coverage when damage is more extensive. Sometimes called partial crowns, onlays provide more extensive protection while still preserving more natural tooth structure than a full dental crown would require.

Cosmetic Financing Available

Transform your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry and flexible payment options for the treatment you deserve.

When Would You Need an Inlay or Onlay?

Your dentist may recommend inlays or onlays when damage or decay is too extensive for a traditional filling. Several situations call for these restorations, including:

A significant cavity compromises too much tooth structure for a standard filling to be stable.
An existing filling has failed or cracked, requiring a more durable replacement.
A tooth has moderate fractures or cracks affecting the chewing surface.
You want a longer-lasting alternative to amalgam or composite fillings.

We evaluate your specific situation during your examination. Our team considers the extent of damage, your tooth’s location, and your overall oral health when recommending the restoration option.

What Materials Are Used for Inlays and Onlays?

We offer several material options for your restoration. Porcelain remains the most popular choice because it matches your natural tooth color beautifully and resists staining. Composite resin provides another tooth-colored option at a more accessible price point.

Gold inlays and onlays offer exceptional durability and are kind to opposing teeth. While not tooth-colored, gold restorations can last decades and work particularly well for back teeth, where appearance is less critical. We’ll discuss which material suits your needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences during your consultation.

Porcelain

The most popular choice. Matches your natural tooth color closely and resists staining.

Composite Resin

A tooth-colored option at a more accessible price point than porcelain.

Gold

Exceptionally durable and kind to opposing teeth. Well suited to back teeth, where appearance matters less.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Getting an inlay or onlay typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, we remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth and prepare it for the restoration. We take digital impressions using our advanced scanning technology, eliminating the need for uncomfortable putty molds.

While our in-house lab fabricates your custom restoration, we place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth. At your second appointment, we remove the temporary restoration, check the fit of your permanent inlay or onlay, and bond it securely to your tooth. The entire process prioritizes your comfort with options for sedation if needed.

Visit One

Prepare the Tooth

We remove the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth and prepare it for the restoration.

Visit One

Digital Impressions

Our advanced scanning technology captures your tooth, with no uncomfortable putty molds.

Between Visits

In-House Fabrication

Our in-house lab builds your custom restoration while a temporary protects the tooth.

Visit Two

Fit Check and Bonding

We remove the temporary, check the fit of your inlay or onlay, and bond it securely in place.

Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays

Your restoration requires the same care as your natural teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. These habits keep both your restoration and surrounding teeth healthy.

Avoid chewing hard foods or ice, as this can damage dental restorations. Visit us for regular check-ups and dental cleanings to monitor your restoration and address any concerns early.

How Long Do Inlays and Onlays Last?

The lifespan of your inlay or onlay depends on several factors. Material choice plays a significant role, with porcelain and gold typically outlasting composite resin. Your oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether you grind your teeth also affect longevity.

Most inlays and onlays last between 15 and 30 years when properly maintained. This durability makes them a worthwhile investment compared to traditional fillings, which often need replacement every 5 to 10 years. Our high-quality materials and precise fabrication techniques contribute to restorations built to last.

	Inlay or Onlay	Traditional Filling
Typical lifespan	15 to 30 years	5 to 10 years
Appointments needed	Typically two	Typically one
How it is made	Fabricated outside the mouth, then bonded in place	Placed directly into the tooth
Material options	Porcelain, composite resin, or gold	Amalgam or composite
Best suited for	Damage or decay too extensive for a filling	Smaller areas of decay
Cost up front	Higher	Lower

Lifespan varies with the material you choose, your oral hygiene habits, your diet, and whether you grind your teeth.

How Much Do Inlays and Onlays Cost?

Cost varies based on the material selected, the size of the restoration, and your specific dental needs. At Ponce Dental Studio, we believe in full price transparency and provide precise estimates before beginning treatment. We never surprise you with hidden fees.

We work with several insurance companies, including Delta Dental, Principal, and Ameritas, and can help maximize your benefits. For patients without insurance or those needing additional payment assistance, we offer financing options to make your treatment affordable. Our goal is to ensure you receive the care you need without financial stress.

Inlays and Onlays FAQ

What is the difference between a filling, an inlay, an onlay, and a crown?

The difference comes down to how much of the tooth is being restored. A filling is placed directly into a small cavity in one visit, an inlay is a custom-made restoration that fits within the cusps of the tooth for moderate damage, and an onlay extends over one or more cusps when the damage is more extensive. Inlays and onlays are stronger and longer-lasting than fillings while removing less healthy tooth than a full crown, which is why they are often called the middle ground between the two.

Are inlays and onlays worth it compared to a filling?

For the right tooth, yes. Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure than a crown and last far longer than a standard filling, often 15 to 30 years with proper care compared to 5 to 10 years for a filling. That durability, combined with a precise custom fit and a natural appearance, makes them a strong long-term value for teeth with moderate damage.

Does getting an inlay or onlay hurt?

No. The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia before we remove the damaged area, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, and sedation is available if you feel anxious. Because inlays and onlays are bonded rather than requiring the more aggressive shaping a crown needs, most patients find the experience straightforward with minimal discomfort afterward.

How many appointments does an inlay or onlay take?

Getting an inlay or onlay usually takes two visits. At the first visit we remove the damaged portion of the tooth, take a digital impression, and place a temporary restoration while our in-house lab fabricates your custom piece. At the second visit we remove the temporary, check the fit, and bond the permanent inlay or onlay securely into place.

Does insurance cover inlays and onlays?

Often, yes. Because inlays and onlays are typically restorative rather than purely cosmetic, many dental plans cover part of the cost when the treatment is medically necessary. Ponce Dental Studio is in-network with Delta Dental, Principal, and Ameritas, and we verify your benefits and provide a clear estimate before treatment. Flexible financing is available for any remaining out-of-pocket cost.

Restore Your Smile With Quality Dental Restorations in Buckhead

Inlays and onlays offer a conservative approach to repairing damaged teeth while preserving your natural tooth structure. These durable restorations combine aesthetic appeal with long-lasting function, providing a solution between traditional fillings and full crowns. Our in-house lab, digital technology, and quality materials ensure you receive restorations custom-made for your smile.

Complete our contact form to schedule a consultation at our Buckhead location to discuss whether inlays or onlays are right for you. Check out our YouTube channel to see more about our approach to modern dentistry and hear from patients who’ve transformed their smiles with us.

Our Buckhead Location

Visit our office located at 3189 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Our modern dental studio is conveniently situated in the heart of Buckhead, making it easily accessible for patients throughout the Atlanta area.