Dental Inlays & Onlays in Charlotte, NC
When tooth damage strikes beyond what a simple filling can repair, the solution doesn’t always require a complete crown. Dental inlays and onlays offer a conservative approach to tooth restoration, preserving more of your natural tooth structure while delivering lasting results. Many patients find these treatments ideal for addressing moderate decay or damage without the extensive tooth preparation required for traditional crowns.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we provide personalized inlay and onlay treatments designed to restore your smile with precision and care. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has over 20 years of experience and has received a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award from 2016 to 2024. Dr. Coambs uses advanced dental technology to create customized restorations that help patients achieve confident, beautiful smiles. Whether you’re addressing moderate decay or replacing old fillings, inlays and onlays may be the perfect solution for strengthening and protecting your teeth.
What Are Dental Inlays and Onlays?
Dental inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair damaged teeth using a conservative approach. These treatments bridge the gap between simple fillings and full crowns, addressing moderate damage while preserving most of your natural tooth structure. Unlike traditional fillings that are placed directly into the tooth, inlays and onlays are crafted outside the mouth and then bonded to the tooth.
An inlay fits within the grooves of your tooth, similar to a filling but made from stronger materials. An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth, extending over one or more cusps (the pointed parts of your back teeth). Both restorations are custom-made to match your tooth’s exact shape and color, creating a seamless blend with your natural smile.
The materials used for inlays and onlays offer superior durability compared to traditional fillings. Porcelain, composite resin, and gold are common options, each providing excellent strength and longevity. Porcelain restorations are particularly popular because they closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth while providing exceptional durability.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Choosing inlays and onlays over traditional treatments offers several advantages for tooth restoration. These restorations provide superior strength and durability compared to regular fillings, often lasting 10-15 years or more with proper care. The precision fit reduces the risk of future decay around the restoration, protecting your tooth for years to come.
Conservative Treatment Approach
Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure compared to crowns. This conservative approach maintains the strength of your original tooth while providing effective repair. You keep most of your healthy tooth structure, which is always preferable for long-term oral health.
Superior Fit and Function
Custom fabrication ensures a precise fit that matches your bite perfectly. This accuracy reduces stress on surrounding teeth and provides comfortable chewing. The restoration becomes an integral part of your tooth, not just a patch or cover.
Esthetic Excellence
Modern inlays and onlays blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Porcelain restorations can be color-matched to your existing teeth, making them virtually invisible. You can smile confidently knowing your restoration looks completely natural.
These restorations also resist staining better than traditional fillings. While composite fillings may discolor over time, porcelain inlays and onlays maintain their appearance for years. This stability ensures your smile remains consistent and attractive.
The Inlay and Onlay Process
The process for receiving inlays and onlays typically requires two appointments at our Charlotte office. During your first visit, we’ll prepare your tooth by removing any decay or old filling material. This preparation is less extensive than what’s required for a crown, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
We’ll then take precise digital impressions using our state-of-the-art iTero Lumina scanner. This advanced technology eliminates the need for messy traditional impressions while providing incredibly accurate measurements. The digital images are sent to our dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your custom restoration.
A temporary restoration protects your tooth between appointments. During your second visit, we’ll remove the temporary and carefully fit your new inlay or onlay. The restoration is bonded to your tooth using advanced adhesive techniques, creating a strong, lasting bond. We’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable function.
Dr. Coambs will check your bite and make final refinements to ensure optimal comfort. The entire process results in a restoration that feels natural and functions seamlessly with your other teeth.
Caring for Your Inlays and Onlays
Proper care ensures your inlays and onlays provide years of reliable service. Regular brushing and flossing remain essential for maintaining the health of your restored teeth. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. The restoration itself doesn’t decay, but the surrounding tooth structure still requires protection from bacteria and plaque.
Routine dental visits allow us to monitor your restorations and catch any potential issues early. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing might miss. We’ll also check the integrity of the bond between your restoration and natural tooth.
Avoid habits that can damage your restorations, such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using your teeth as tools. While inlays and onlays are incredibly strong, they’re not indestructible. Protecting them from excessive force helps ensure their longevity and your continued oral health.
Restore Your Smile with Imagine Dentistry
Dental inlays and onlays represent an excellent balance between conservative treatment and lasting results. These restorations preserve your natural tooth structure while providing the strength and durability you need for comfortable function. With proper care, your inlays and onlays can serve you well for many years to come.
At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs and Dr. Shelli Boucher combine over 35 years of experience with advanced dental technology to deliver exceptional results. Dr. Coambs has received Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentist Award from 2016 to 2024 and continues her education at prestigious institutions like The Dawson Academy. Our state-of-the-art office in the Arboretum area of South Charlotte features the latest dental technology and a comfortable, welcoming environment. To schedule your consultation for inlays and onlays, call our office at (704) 540-7600 or contact us online.
The cost of dental inlays and onlays in Charlotte NC typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on the material chosen and the complexity of your case. Composite resin restorations are generally the most affordable option, while ceramic materials and gold inlays command premium pricing due to their superior properties and longevity. Most dental insurance plans cover inlays and onlays at the same rate as crowns, typically 50-80% after your deductible. We offer financing options through CareCredit to help make quality dental care more accessible for our patients.
The primary difference between dental inlays and onlays lies in the coverage area of the restoration. Dental inlays fit within the tooth’s grooves and do not extend over the cusps (raised points) of the teeth, making them ideal for cavities contained within the central chewing surface. Dental onlays, often called partial crowns, extend over one or more cusps and provide more extensive coverage for teeth with greater structural damage. Your dental provider will determine which option is most appropriate based on the extent and location of damage to your affected tooth.
With proper care, dental inlays and onlays can last 15-30 years or more, significantly longer than traditional fillings. The longevity depends on several factors including the material used, the location of the restoration, your oral hygiene habits, and your chewing habits. Gold inlays and onlays typically offer the longest lifespan, often lasting decades, while ceramic materials and composite resin provide excellent durability with proper maintenance. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are essential for maximizing the lifespan of your restoration.
Dental inlays and onlays offer several advantages over regular fillings, particularly for larger cavities or areas of significant tooth damage. These custom-made restorations provide superior strength, better fit, and longer lifespan compared to traditional fillings. While regular fillings are placed directly in the tooth during a single visit, inlays and onlays are fabricated in a dental lab for precise fit and optimal function. However, for small cavities with minimal damage, traditional fillings may be more appropriate and cost-effective. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your specific needs.
Caring for dental inlays and onlays is similar to maintaining your natural teeth, with no special requirements beyond good oral hygiene practices. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and attend routine dental checkups for professional cleaning and examination. Avoid chewing on extremely hard objects like ice or pens, which could potentially damage any dental restoration. With proper care and regular dental visits, your inlays and onlays should provide many years of reliable service while maintaining their appearance and function.
Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum
Dental Insurance
We accept most dental insurances, and we will always work to get the most out of your benefits. If it would help to break up the cost of your care into smaller monthly payments, we are prepared to discuss payment plan options with you. We offer an excellent Membership Plan with our office, as well as financing with Care Credit. If you are looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, our team will be delighted to assist you in scheduling an appointment today.
