When a tooth is damaged but doesn’t need a full crown, dental inlays and onlays offer a smart, conservative solution. If you’re looking for an alternative to a dental crown or a way to restore a damaged tooth without a crown, inlays and onlays are one of the most reliable tooth restoration options available today.
At Leslie North Dental, we use inlays and onlays in Newmarket to restore damaged teeth while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. These restorations are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely, giving you a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and lasts for years.
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We begin with a thorough dental exam and digital imaging to assess the condition of your tooth and determine whether an inlay or onlay is the best solution.
Any decayed or damaged material is carefully removed. The tooth is then shaped to ensure your restoration fits securely and comfortably.
Your inlay or onlay is custom-made to match your tooth’s shape, size, and color. This ensures a strong and natural-looking result with excellent function.
Once ready, the restoration is bonded to your tooth, polished for a smooth finish, and adjusted to ensure a comfortable bite and long-term strength.
Our goal is to provide durable tooth restoration that strengthens your smile using a minimally invasive approach. We recommend these treatments for:
But what is the difference between inlays and onlays? Let’s discover.
Although they’re often mentioned together, inlays and onlays are used in slightly different situations. Dental inlays fit inside the grooves of the tooth, between the cusps (edges). They’re ideal when decay or damage is limited to the center of the tooth.
On the other hand, dental onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth. They’re used when the damage is more extensive but still not severe enough to require a crown.
Both options fix cracked or decayed teeth while maintaining strength and stability. Compared to traditional fillings, they provide a stronger and longer-lasting alternative, especially for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
At Leslie North Dental, we use high-quality materials (porcelain or composite resin) to create custom dental restorations that blend beautifully with your natural teeth.
Porcelain tooth restorations are highly popular because they are strong, stain-resistant, and closely match your natural tooth color. Composite resin options can also be used in certain cases, offering durability and a natural look.
Both materials are carefully selected to ensure long-lasting strength and reliability, precise fit, and a finish that’s smooth, polished, strong, and natural-looking.
Our dentists may suggest an inlay if:
In short, inlays are ideal for patients who want a strong and natural-looking solution that blends seamlessly with the tooth and provides long-term reliability.
However, our dentist may recommend an onlay for the following situations:
We don’t default to the biggest treatment. Our dentists carefully assess how much healthy tooth remains and recommend the most conservative option that still provides strength and long-term protection.
In many cases, an inlay or onlay offers the perfect middle ground, stronger than a filling, yet more tooth-saving than a crown. The comparison table below helps you understand the differences between these three procedures.
Feature | Dental Filling | Inlay / Onlay | Dental Crown |
Best for | Small areas of decay or minor damage | Moderate decay, cracks, or weakened teeth | Severely damaged, fractured, or heavily restored teeth |
How much tooth is removed | Very minimal | Conservative; preserves more natural tooth structure | Most tooth structure removed |
Strength & durability | Basic strength, wears faster over time | Long-lasting strength & reliability | Very strong and protective |
Lifespan (with proper care) | 5 to 7 years | 10 to 15+ years | 10 to 15+ years |
Appearance | Tooth-colored but may stain over time | Strong and natural-looking with excellent stain-resistance | Natural appearance, fully covers the tooth |
Material options | Composite resin | High-quality materials (porcelain or composite resin) | Porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal |
Protection level | Limited protection | Long-term protection without full coverage | Maximum protection |
Preserves natural tooth | Yes | Best balance of strength and preservation | Less conservative |
Alternative to dental crowns | No | Yes, in many cases | — |
Ideal when | Damage is small and contained | You want to restore a damaged tooth without a crown | The tooth is too weak for other options |
Overall goal | Quick, simple repair | Durable tooth restoration while preserving tooth structure | Full coverage and structural support |
If you’ve been told you need a crown, or you’re dealing with a cracked, weakened, or decayed tooth, you may have more options than you think. A personalized inlay or onlay can restore strength, protect your tooth, and keep your smile looking natural, all without unnecessary removal of healthy tooth structure.
If you are looking for the most reliable dental inlays and onlays near you, now is the perfect time to take the next step. At Leslie North Dental, we take the time to understand your tooth, your concerns, and your long-term oral health goals. Book your inlay or onlay consultation at Leslie North Dental today and let our experienced team help you protect your natural tooth with results you can trust.
Our dentists are all recognized by leading industry organizations, and work with the best clinical partners and dental labs to provide you with top-notch dental care.
We are always prioritizing your safety at every step by taking measure such as health screening, sanitization, enhanced PPE etc.
From general dentistry, dental implants and same day crown fittings, to cosmetic dentistry such as invisalign & teeth whitening at Leslie North Dental we offer the highest level of dental care.
In order to facilitate your dental treatments, we accept almost all the insurance coverages and we also offer installment payments for specific treatments.
An inlay fits within the tooth’s grooves, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps for added protection.
In many cases, yes. Inlays and onlays are a stronger and longer-lasting alternative to traditional fillings, especially for larger restorations.
Often, yes. They are a great alternative to a dental crown when the tooth is not severely damaged.
No. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and most patients find it very comfortable.
It usually needs two visits: one to prepare the tooth and one to place the restoration.
Many insurance plans provide partial coverage. Our team can help you review your benefits.
When damage is moderate, the goal is to preserve tooth structure while ensuring strength. In this situation, inlays and onlays are usually preferred over other alternatives.
It depends on the condition of the tooth. We always recommend the most conservative option that provides long-term protection.
To restore damaged teeth, maintain strength, and protect your natural tooth without over-treatment.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Thanks to their stain-resistance and durable materials, they maintain both function and appearance over time.
Brushing, flossing, and routine visits to Leslie North Dental will help protect your investment and keep your smile healthy.
At Leslie North Dental, recognized as a leading dental practice in Newmarket, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care.
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