Inlays & Onlays in Lisle, IL
For a tooth too damaged for a standard filling yet not in need of a full crown, an inlay or onlay hits the ideal middle ground. Custom-made to repair moderate decay, cracks, or fractures, they conserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. We craft them at Brammeier Family Dental from durable, tooth-colored materials so the restoration looks and feels natural.
What they are
Custom-made restorations that sit inside or over the cusps of a damaged tooth, stronger than fillings yet more conservative than crowns.
Who they're for
Anyone with moderate decay, cracked cusps, or large old fillings due for replacement, as long as enough healthy tooth remains.
How we help
Precise preparation, custom fabrication in durable tooth-colored materials, and a secure, long-lasting fit that keeps your natural tooth intact.
Cracked tooth or a failing filling? An inlay or onlay may save it without the need for a full crown.
What's the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
Dental Inlay
- Sits within the cusps (the raised points) on a tooth's chewing surface
- Steps in for a standard filling when damage runs too deep for composite alone
- Custom-made to fill the prepared area precisely
- Well suited to moderate decay or damage on the tooth's biting surface
Dental Onlay
- Reaches over one or more of the tooth's cusps to cover a larger area
- Sometimes called a "partial crown" since it rebuilds more tooth structure than an inlay
- Chosen when damage is too great for an inlay but a full crown isn't necessary
- Keeps more natural tooth than a crown while still offering excellent protection
Materials and Benefits
Material Options
- Porcelain/ceramic: The most popular choice, matched to your natural tooth color for a seamless look
- Composite resin: A tooth-colored option that bonds well to the tooth structure
- Gold: Exceptionally durable and long-lasting, a choice some patients prefer for back teeth
- Drs. Brammeier and Ericson will recommend the right material for the tooth's location, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences
Key Benefits
- Preserves tooth structure: Less natural tooth is removed than with a full crown
- Durability: Custom-made materials outlast and outperform standard fillings
- Natural appearance: Tooth-colored options disappear against the surrounding teeth
- Precise fit: Custom fabrication delivers a tighter seal against bacteria
- Strengthens the tooth: Bonding to the tooth reinforces its structure
How the Procedure Works
Procedure Steps
- Preparation: The decayed or damaged part of the tooth is carefully removed, then the tooth is shaped to hold the restoration
- Impression: A precise mold of your tooth heads to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication
- Temporary: A temporary restoration guards the tooth while your custom inlay or onlay is made
- Placement: At the follow-up visit, the custom restoration is bonded securely to your tooth and polished to a perfect fit
What to Know
- The procedure usually takes two visits about 2 weeks apart
- Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable while the tooth is prepared
- Same-day restorations are possible at some offices through CEREC technology, so ask whether that option is available
- Bonding forms a tight seal that helps keep future decay from forming under the restoration
- Most patients feel little to no discomfort afterward
Curious whether an inlay or onlay is right for you? We'll examine your tooth and recommend the best option.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Examination: X-rays help us gauge how far the damage goes and which restoration suits it best
- Discussion: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson compare inlay, onlay, and other options and recommend the best approach
- Preparation: The tooth is gently prepared and an impression is made
- Return visit: Your custom restoration is set, adjusted, and polished until your bite feels comfortable and natural
Helpful Tips
- Go easy chewing on the temporary, which is there to protect rather than perform like the final piece
- Mild sensitivity after placement is normal and tends to fade within a few days
- Brush and floss around the restored tooth the same way you do your natural teeth
- Properly cared for, inlays and onlays can last 10–30 years
- Regular checkups let us keep an eye on the restoration over time
Frequently Asked Questions
An inlay fills the space between the cusps (bumps) on a tooth's chewing surface. An onlay goes further, covering one or more cusps. A crown caps the entire visible portion of the tooth. Drs. Brammeier and Ericson recommend the most conservative option that will still restore the tooth effectively.
Supported by good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, inlays and onlays can last 10 to 30 years, frequently outlasting traditional fillings. How long they hold up depends on the material, the tooth's location, your bite forces, and how well you care for your teeth.
For moderate damage, yes. Made in a lab for a more precise fit and from stronger materials, inlays and onlays actually reinforce the remaining tooth structure. Standard fillings are the better fit for small areas of decay.
Absolutely. Color-matched to the teeth around them, porcelain and composite inlays and onlays are virtually invisible, and most people will never notice you have a restoration.
No. With local anesthesia numbing the area during preparation, you won't feel pain, and most patients say it is much like getting a filling. Any sensitivity afterward is usually mild and short-lived.
The cost sits between a standard filling and a full crown, shifting with the material you choose and the size of the restoration. As a restorative procedure, inlays and onlays are covered by most dental insurance plans. We provide a detailed estimate before treatment and offer financing options.
Yes, and it is actually one of the most common reasons people get one. Once a large old filling cracks, wears down, or grows decay around its edges, upgrading to a custom inlay or onlay gives you a stronger, longer-lasting restoration.
Treat them just like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up regular checkups with Drs. Brammeier and Ericson. Avoid biting down on extremely hard objects like ice or hard candy, and consider a night guard if you grind your teeth.
Hold on to more of your natural tooth. Ask us whether an inlay or onlay is the right restoration for you.
Visit Us
Visit Brammeier Family Dental
Office Hours
Monday11am – 7pm
Tuesday7am – 4pm
Wednesday7am – 4pm
Thursday7am – 2pm
FridayBy Appointment
Sat – SunClosed