Inlays & onlays

Inlays and onlays in Miami

When a back tooth has too much damage for a filling but enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown, an inlay or onlay restores it while keeping more of your natural tooth.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated October 4, 2026

What they are

Inlays and onlays are made outside the mouth and bonded into the tooth. An inlay fits inside the cusps — the points on the chewing surface. An onlay extends over one or more cusps to protect them. Both are sometimes called partial crowns.

Why choose one

They keep more of your tooth. Less healthy tooth is removed than for a crown.
They're strong. A bonded porcelain restoration supports the tooth around it.
They match. Each one is made with our in-house ceramist to blend with your tooth.
They last. With good care, they stand up to chewing for many years.

How it works

First visit

The tooth is numbed, old filling material and decay are removed, and the tooth is shaped. We take records and place a temporary.

Made with our ceramist

Your inlay or onlay is made to fit the tooth exactly.

Second visit

The temporary comes off, the restoration is checked for fit and bite, and it's bonded in place.

Filling, inlay, onlay or crown?

The choice depends on how much of the tooth is left. A small cavity needs a filling. A larger one, especially near the cusps, may need an inlay or onlay. When the tooth is cracked through or badly weakened, a crown is the safer choice.

Caring for them

Brush and floss as you would your natural teeth, and keep your regular cleanings. If you clench or grind, a night guard protects your restorations.

FAQs

Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?

For larger repairs, they're usually stronger and longer-lasting than a big filling. For small cavities, a filling is simpler and works well.

Does insurance cover them?

Many plans cover them like crowns or large fillings. We're out of network and submit claims as a courtesy. See Insurance & membership.

How long do they last?

With good care, many years.

Terms

Inlay: A restoration made to fit inside the cusps of a back tooth.
Onlay: A restoration that covers one or more cusps of a back tooth.
Cusp: One of the raised points on the chewing surface of a back tooth.
Bonding: Attaching a restoration to the tooth with an adhesive resin.
Temporary: A short-term filling that protects the tooth while the final restoration is made.

Start with a conversation.

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