Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays
At SOMI Smile, inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations that repair teeth with moderate damage while preserving as much healthy tooth as possible. Sitting between a filling and a crown, they offer strength, durability, and a natural appearance.
Conveniently located near the University of Miami, our Miami practice creates precise, tooth-colored inlays and onlays with genuine attention to comfort and conservative care. You keep as much of your own tooth as possible. That is the real advantage of an inlay or onlay.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling but do not need a full crown. An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay extends over one or more of the cusps, the raised points of the tooth. Both options are tailored precisely to the damaged area.
At SOMI Smile, inlays and onlays are crafted from durable, tooth-colored materials and bonded precisely to the tooth. We take a comprehensive, conservative approach, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. This conservative approach protects the tooth for the long term. Less removal means a stronger tooth overall.
Because they are made to fit your tooth exactly, inlays and onlays restore strength and function while blending naturally with your smile. The result is both strong and beautifully discreet.
Treatment begins with a gentle evaluation and the removal of any decay or damage. We then capture a precise impression or digital scan, and your custom inlay or onlay is crafted to fit your tooth exactly. Once it is ready, it is carefully bonded into place and polished for a smooth, natural finish. Dr. Janet Gonzalez makes sure the fit is comfortable and your bite feels right, which is exactly how restorative care should feel in Miami. Every detail is checked before you leave.
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays offer a strong, conservative way to restore a damaged tooth. Some of the key benefits include:
Preserves Natural Tooth
Inlays and onlays remove less healthy tooth than a crown. Keeping more of your natural tooth supports long-term health.
Strong and Durable
Made from quality materials, they restore strength to a damaged tooth. That strength lets you chew with confidence. The tooth feels solid and natural again. With good care, they can last for many years.
Natural Appearance
Tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with your smile. The restoration is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth.
Custom, Precise Fit
Each restoration is crafted to fit your tooth exactly. A precise fit protects the tooth and feels comfortable.
Protects the Tooth
By sealing and reinforcing the tooth, they help prevent further damage. Acting now can prevent the need for a crown. This can help you avoid more extensive treatment later.
Experience Dentistry Designed Around You
Schedule your consultation today and discover a more personalized dental experience.
Why Choose SOMI Smile
At SOMI Smile, we believe restorative dentistry begins with trust, transparency, and genuine connection. Patients across Miami choose us for inlays and onlays because:
- We take a conservative approach that preserves your natural tooth
- We use durable, tooth-colored materials for natural results
- We craft each restoration to fit your tooth precisely
- We rely on advanced technology for a comfortable, accurate fit
- We explain your options clearly, including how they compare with crowns
- We deliver modern restorative care in a welcoming Miami practice
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident while we restore your tooth conservatively, in a way that looks natural and lasts. Preserving your natural tooth is always our priority. Conservative care protects your smile for the long term.
What our patients say!
Inlays and Onlays FAQs
What is the difference between an inlay, an onlay, and a filling?
A filling repairs small areas of damage, while inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations for larger damage that does not need a full crown. An inlay fits within the tooth’s grooves, and an onlay extends over the cusps. Our Miami team will recommend the right option after evaluating your tooth. The choice depends on how much of the tooth is affected. We always lean toward the most conservative option.
How are inlays and onlays different from a crown?
A crown covers the entire tooth, while inlays and onlays restore only the damaged portion, preserving more of your natural tooth. They are a more conservative option when a full crown is not necessary. Dr. Janet Gonzalez will help you choose the best approach at our Miami practice. When a crown is not needed, we prefer the conservative route.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
With good oral hygiene and routine care, inlays and onlays are durable and can last many years. Made from quality, tooth-colored materials, they are designed for long-term strength. Our Miami team shares simple guidance to help your restoration last as long as possible. Routine care keeps it strong for years.
Do inlays and onlays look natural?
Yes. They are crafted from tooth-colored materials matched to your surrounding teeth, so they blend in seamlessly. The restoration is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth. Patients across Miami choose SOMI Smile for restorations that look and feel completely natural. The color and shape are matched to your tooth.
How many visits do inlays and onlays take?
Inlays and onlays are often completed in two visits, one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and another to bond the finished restoration. We will confirm your specific timeline during your consultation at our Miami practice. Some cases may be completed even more efficiently.
Do I need an inlay or onlay in Miami?
An inlay or onlay may be ideal if a tooth has moderate damage that is too large for a filling but does not require a crown. The best way to know is an evaluation at SOMI Smile in Miami, where we recommend the most conservative option for your tooth. We only suggest treatment that genuinely helps.
