Inlays and Onlays in Chicago
When a tooth suffers damage from decay or a fracture that’s too extensive for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a middle ground. At Weller Dental, Dr. Jeffrey Weller helps patients in Chicago and Hinsdale, IL understand their restorative options, including tooth colored fillings, crowns, and inlays and onlays, so they can make an informed decision about treating a damaged tooth.
Inlays and onlays are used on the back teeth, where chewing forces are greatest and durability matters most. An inlay fits within the indented center of a tooth, called the cusp, while an onlay extends over one or more of the tooth’s rounded edges to cover a larger area. Both can be crafted from porcelain, composite resin, or metal, depending on your needs, budget, and the location of the tooth being treated.
What Are the Benefits of Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays in Chicago at Weller Dental provide several advantages as a minimally invasive, long-lasting restoration for a damaged or decayed tooth:
- Preserves more of your natural enamel compared to a conventional crown
- Offers lasting resilience and protection against further damage
- Resists staining and yellowing for a naturally enhanced appearance
- Reduces the risk of ongoing decay or chipping by sealing and protecting the tooth
- Provides a less invasive alternative to a full crown
- Strengthens and reinforces the tooth structure
- Restores a comfortable, functional bite
- Blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth
Am I a Candidate for Inlays and Onlays?
An inlay or onlay is often the right choice when a tooth has a chip or a cavity too large for a standard filling, but the damage doesn’t extend far enough to need a crown’s full coverage. During your exam, Dr. Weller will review your X-rays to determine which restoration best suits your tooth. If an inlay or onlay is recommended, he will walk you through the available materials and help you choose the option that fits your goals and budget.
- Treatments start at $1,650
- Recovery Time: 2 hours
- How Long It Takes: 1 hour
- Follow-up Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Plan Your Procedure
from $1650
2 Hours
1 Hour
2 – 3 Weeks
What Can I Expect from Inlays and Onlays?
Treatment begins with numbing cream or local anesthesia applied to the gums. Dr. Weller then carefully cleans out any areas of decay. For patients who feel anxious or have a strong gag reflex, additional sedation options are available. Once the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom inlay or onlay is crafted. A temporary covering protects the tooth while your restoration is being made.
When your inlay or onlay is ready, Dr. Weller will bond it carefully into place, then polish the edges and adjust the fit so the restoration feels natural and functions comfortably within your bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inlays and onlays can be cleaned just like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and avoid using your teeth as tools, since this can damage the restoration over time.
With proper care, most inlays and onlays last 20 to 30 years. Our team will give you specific guidance on maintaining your restoration for the long haul.
Cost depends on the extent of treatment and the material chosen. If you have dental insurance, check with your provider about coverage. Weller Dental provides a full estimate during your initial assessment and can help you find a plan that fits your budget.
Since inlays and onlays are a common treatment for cavities and tooth damage, many insurance plans provide partial coverage. Our team can contact your insurer on your behalf to clarify your specific benefits before treatment begins.
If only local anesthesia was used, you can resume your normal activities right after your visit. Some patients experience mild discomfort, sensitivity, or swelling for a few days. Continue to brush and floss the restored tooth daily, and keep up with twice-yearly cleanings and yearly exams so Dr. Weller can monitor its condition.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Whether Dr. Weller recommends an inlay or an onlay, porcelain, composite, or metal, treating a damaged tooth early helps you avoid a more costly and complicated problem down the road. Learn more about how inlays and onlays in Chicago and Hinsdale can renew your oral health by scheduling a consultation with our team. Dr. Weller and the Weller Dental staff are ready to find the right restoration for your smile.