When a tooth has too much damage for a filling but doesn't need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the ideal solution — preserving more of your natural tooth while restoring full strength and beauty.
Make an AppointmentInlays and onlays — sometimes called "partial crowns" — are custom-crafted ceramic restorations that fit precisely into or over a damaged tooth. They're stronger than composite fillings and far more conservative than full crowns, preserving healthy tooth structure while delivering a beautiful, long-lasting result.
At Layton Dentistry in Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood, we use tooth-colored porcelain and ceramic materials that blend seamlessly with your smile. We only recommend what's truly necessary — and inlays and onlays are often the most conservative, effective choice.
An inlay restores damage contained within the cusps of a tooth — essentially a custom-fitted filling made from durable ceramic. Unlike composite resin, a porcelain inlay is fabricated for an exact fit, is far more resistant to wear, and matches your natural tooth color precisely.
An onlay extends over one or more of the tooth's cusps, making it ideal for larger areas of damage. Often called a "partial crown," an onlay restores full chewing function and protects the remaining tooth structure without the more aggressive preparation a full crown requires.
Choosing between an inlay, onlay, or crown depends on how much of the tooth is affected. Inlays address damage between the cusps; onlays cover one or more cusps; crowns cap the entire tooth. We always recommend the most conservative option that will deliver a lasting result.
Large amalgam or composite fillings can weaken a tooth over time, leading to cracks or fractures. A porcelain inlay is a structurally superior alternative — bonded directly to the tooth, it actually reinforces the remaining structure rather than putting stress on it.
If you have aging metal fillings that are cracking, leaking, or simply unsightly, inlays and onlays are an excellent tooth-colored replacement. We remove the old restoration, treat any underlying decay, and place a custom ceramic inlay that looks and performs beautifully.
All inlays and onlays at Layton Dentistry are crafted from tooth-colored ceramic — no metal, no mercury. Our materials are biocompatible, durable, and virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel, giving you a restoration that looks as good as it functions.
Dr. Layton evaluates the extent of damage and recommends whether an inlay, onlay, or crown is the right fit.
The damaged or decayed portion is removed and the tooth is shaped to receive the custom restoration.
Precise digital scans are taken and sent to our dental lab, where your ceramic inlay or onlay is custom-fabricated.
Your finished restoration is bonded securely in place, adjusted for a perfect bite, and polished to a natural finish.
Layton Dentistry is located in Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood, minutes from Uptown. We welcome patients from across the greater Charlotte metro area seeking conservative, tooth-colored restorative care.
Schedule a consultation at Layton Dentistry to find out if a porcelain inlay or onlay is the right choice for your smile.
Make an Appointment