A smaller part of your tooth is removed than when getting a dental crown
A chipped or cracked tooth does not have to mean a full crown. For teeth with moderate damage that falls somewhere between needing a simple filling and a complete crown, inlays and onlays offer a precise, custom-fitted solution that restores both strength and appearance. These restorations fit like puzzle pieces into the damaged areas of your teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure while providing long-lasting durability.
At Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics, Dr. Nicholas Goetz brings advanced prosthodontic training to every restoration he creates. As one of only approximately 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States, Dr. Goetz combines precision craftsmanship with comprehensive dental knowledge to deliver trusted inlays and onlays in Delray Beach that look natural and function beautifully for years.
Inlays and onlays are indirect restorations, meaning they are crafted outside the mouth in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps to cover a larger area. Both options work well for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces. The custom fabrication process allows for a more precise fit and superior longevity compared to traditional fillings placed directly into cavities.
Unlike standard fillings, inlays and onlays are fabricated from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin using advanced digital technology. According to research published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, the five-year survival rate for inlays and onlays exceeds 90%, with proper placement and care contributing significantly to their longevity. These restorations help prevent further damage and tooth loss by reinforcing weakened teeth before problems worsen.
Specialized prosthodontic treatments to restore function and beauty with financing options for complex dental care.
Not every damaged tooth requires the same treatment. The team at Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics evaluates each situation to determine the best approach for your smile. Inlays and onlays work best when tooth damage is too extensive for a filling but not severe enough to warrant a full dental crown.
Common situations where inlays or onlays provide ideal solutions include large cavities where decay has removed too much tooth structure for a standard filling to hold effectively. When cracks or fractures affect the chewing surface but the tooth root remains healthy, these restorations offer the right balance of protection and preservation. They also serve as excellent replacements for old, worn metal fillings where the surrounding tooth has weakened over time.
Each restoration is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, creating results that look as good as they feel. For patients seeking cosmetic improvement beyond what metal amalgam provides, inlays and onlays deliver natural-looking results while maintaining structural integrity. The precision fit reduces the risk of future decay and provides better support for the remaining tooth structure than traditional fillings.
The process of receiving inlays and onlays typically requires two appointments. During your first visit, we remove any damaged or decayed tooth structure and prepare the tooth to receive the restoration. Using advanced digital scanning technology, the team captures precise impressions without the discomfort of traditional putty molds. This digital approach ensures accuracy and allows for better communication with the dental laboratory.
A temporary restoration protects your tooth while the permanent inlay or onlay is custom-crafted in the laboratory. At your second appointment, the team removes the temporary restoration and carefully bonds the permanent one to your tooth using strong adhesive materials. The result is a restoration that becomes an integral part of your tooth structure, providing strength and protection for years to come.
The investment in inlays and onlays varies based on several factors, including the size of the restoration, the material chosen, and the complexity of your case. Generally, inlays and onlays cost more than standard fillings but less than full crowns. Many patients find the best inlays and onlays in Delray Beach worth the investment because these restorations often last 10 to 30 years with proper care.
While Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics is not in-network with insurance companies, the team files claims on your behalf and assists in securing any reimbursement your PPO plan allows. Our financial options make quality dental care accessible. For patients seeking flexible financing, the practice offers plans through CareCredit, Cherry, and Alpheon.
Selecting where to receive your dental restorations matters significantly. Dr. Goetz completed his dental education and residency at the University of Florida, followed by a Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship at UCLA. Before opening his private practice, he served as a civilian maxillofacial prosthodontist for the US Army and the VA Medical Hospital, treating patients with complex dental needs. This advanced training means Dr. Goetz understands how restorations affect your bite, jaw function, and overall oral health.
When placing inlays and onlays, Dr. Goetz considers not just the individual tooth but how it works within your entire smile. His comprehensive approach ensures your restoration integrates seamlessly with your natural teeth and supports proper oral function. The practice utilizes CBCT scanning and other advanced diagnostic tools to plan treatments with exceptional precision.
They are made at a dental lab and shaped by computer-aided systems, so they fit your tooth faultlessly
They are designed to match the exact shade and shape of your tooth, giving you a perfect looking smile
They require the usual dental care: brushing, flossing, regular checkups and avoid chewing hard foods.
They are cost-effective and most insurance plans typically cover these procedures
They are strong and durable
Proper care extends the life of your restorations significantly. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing protects both your restoration and the surrounding tooth structure. Avoiding habits that put excessive stress on your teeth, such as chewing ice or using your teeth as tools, helps prevent damage to your restorations.
Regular dental checkups allow the team to monitor your restorations and address any concerns before they become problems. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing cannot eliminate, protecting your investment and maintaining your oral health. With proper care and regular dental visits, your inlays and onlays can serve you well for decades.
Inlays and Onlays involve a very similar procedure.
They differ in how much tooth structure is preserved.
When the cavity is too big and a simple filling can’t cover the damaged area, you could get an inlay. Inlays cover a cavity or space that does not involve the cusp (or chewing part) of your tooth.
Dental inlays are specifically made at a dental lab because they are shaped according to the cavity that needs to be repaired. You can choose between a gold inlay (more durable) or ceramic inlay (tooth colored).
After the tooth decay is removed, molds are taken and sent to the lab to be custom-made. Once ready, your dentist removes the temporary and the inlay is perfectly fit into the surface of the tooth that needs to be covered.
Like inlays, dental onlays are also specially prepared at a dental lab and are used when the restoration involves the cusp (or biting part) of your tooth.
A dental onlay requires less tooth preparation than a dental crown.
Similar to inlays, impression of your tooth are required. Following that, a custom made restoration will be created in a lab and delivered at a second appointment.
Both inlays and onlays are made and then cemented as a single piece to perfectly fit the part that needs to be restored.
When tooth damage requires more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays provide the perfect middle ground. These custom restorations preserve your natural tooth structure while delivering strength, durability, and beautiful results. The combination of advanced materials and precise craftsmanship creates restorations that protect your teeth for decades.
Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics welcomes patients throughout Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Highland Beach, and Ocean Ridge seeking trusted inlays and onlays. Dr. Nicholas Goetz and the team provide comprehensive consultations to determine whether inlays, onlays, or another restoration will best serve your smile. To learn more about your options and schedule an appointment, reach out to us today.
Inlays and onlays are often covered by dental insurance plans. Depending on the type of plan you have, this coverage can be full or partial. Although inlays and onlays may cost more than regular fillings, they are much stronger and more durable. This means they are much more cost-effective. You should always ask your dental insurance about the extent of your coverage for these types of procedures to make a balance between benefits and costs.
The main difference between getting a crown and getting an inlay/onlay is that a crown involves a larger part of your tooth being removed. This is because the crown covers the whole biting part of your damaged tooth, while the inlay/onlay covers a smaller portion of it. Prices also differ in these types of procedures, with crowns sometimes being more expensive than inlays or onlays.
In general, inlays and onlays are long-lasting restorations. If well taken care of, they could last 10-20 years, similar to crowns. The lifespan of an inlay or an onlay will highly depend on your oral care habits, your bite, and the quality of the dental work you get. Keeping good oral hygiene and regular checkups will definitely help your inlays and onlays last longer and maintain good oral health.
You will typically need two office visits to get your inlay or onlay. On the first visit, Dr. Goetz will carefully remove the decayed part of your tooth and cover it temporarily until the inlay or onlay is custom-shaped at the dental lab. On your second visit, you will get the final restoration bonded to your tooth and get the natural-looking smile you were waiting for.
Dr. Goetz will apply local anesthetics to the area. This way, you avoid feeling pain during the procedure. So you will probably not feel any pain during the inlay or onlay procedure, just a few seconds after the doctor delivers the anesthetic. It’s recommended to take deep breaths and try to stay calm. The team at Ocean Breeze can help you relax further by using essential oils and other relaxation techniques to deal with any possible fears or feelings of anxiety.
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**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office. Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
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