A smaller part of your tooth is removed than when getting a dental crown
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Prosthodontic treatments covered by most insurance plans
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Prosthodontic treatments covered by most insurance plans
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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 snugly into the damaged areas of your teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure while providing long-lasting durability. They are an ideal option for patients seeking a conservative approach to tooth restoration without sacrificing quality or function.
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 inlays and onlays in Boynton Beach that look natural and function beautifully for years. Explore our cosmetic dentistry services to see the full range of treatments available at our practice.
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, repairing damage inside those boundaries. An onlay, sometimes called a partial crown, extends over one or more cusps to cover a larger area of the tooth. 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. At Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics, Dr. Goetz evaluates each situation carefully 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. Patients who prefer a more conservative option before committing to a full crown will often find that an inlay or onlay meets their needs beautifully.
Each restoration is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, creating results that look as natural 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, Dr. Goetz removes any damaged or decayed tooth structure and prepares the tooth to receive the restoration. Using advanced digital scanning technology, our 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, we remove the temporary restoration and carefully bond 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. Most patients find the process straightforward and are pleased with how naturally the final result feels.
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 these restorations well worth the investment because they often last 10 to 30 years with proper care, making them one of the more cost-effective long-term solutions available.
While Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics is not in-network with insurance companies, our 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 throughout Boynton Beach. 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 some of the most complex dental needs imaginable. This advanced training means Dr. Goetz understands how restorations affect your bite, jaw function, and overall oral health at a level that general dentists simply do not reach.
When placing inlays and onlays, Dr. Goetz considers not just the individual tooth but how it functions within your entire smile. His thorough approach ensures your restoration integrates seamlessly with your natural teeth and supports proper oral function. The practice uses CBCT scanning and other advanced diagnostic tools to plan treatments with exceptional precision, giving patients in Boynton Beach access to a caliber of care that is difficult to find anywhere in South Florida.
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 hard candies, helps prevent damage to your restorations over time.
Regular dental checkups allow Dr. Goetz and our team to monitor your restorations and address any concerns before they become larger problems. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing cannot eliminate, protecting your investment and maintaining your oral health. With proper care and consistent 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 right solution. These custom restorations preserve your natural tooth structure while delivering strength, durability, and results that look genuinely natural. As one of approximately 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States, Dr. Goetz brings a depth of training and clinical precision to every restoration that goes well beyond what a general dentist can offer.
Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics welcomes patients throughout Boynton Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, and Ocean Ridge. Whether you are dealing with a cracked tooth, worn-out metal fillings, or a large cavity that has outgrown a simple filling, our team is ready to help you find the right path forward. To learn more about your options and schedule a consultation, contact our office today.
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Se Habla Español · Falamos Português
**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office. Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
"*" indicates required fields