Repair moderate decay or damage with a custom inlay or onlay that preserves more natural tooth structure than a full crown when clinically appropriate.
Inlays and onlays are custom-made, tooth-colored porcelain restorations used to repair moderate tooth decay or damage — too extensive for a standard filling, but not severe enough to require a full crown. An inlay fits within the grooves of the tooth's biting surface; an onlay extends over one or more cusps.
Unlike a filling, which is placed directly in one visit, an inlay or onlay is crafted to a precise digital impression, then bonded into place — a stronger, better-fitting restoration.
At 12 Oaks, we favor the most conservative option that will genuinely hold up over time. When an inlay or onlay can achieve the same durability as a crown while preserving more of your natural tooth, that's what we'll recommend.
Preserving healthy tooth structure matters for long-term bite stability, not just conservatism for its own sake. We evaluate the full extent of the damage and your bite before deciding between a filling, an inlay, an onlay, or a crown.
A conservative, durable option for the right situations.
When decay has damaged more of the tooth than a standard filling can properly restore.
Replacing a large, aging, or cracked metal filling with a stronger, tooth-colored restoration.
When one or more cusps are compromised but the entire tooth doesn't need covering.
A conservative approach that delays or avoids the need for full crown coverage.
Many patients request tooth-colored, biocompatible alternatives — see also our tooth-colored fillings page.
Onlays reinforce cusps against fracture without the more extensive reshaping a crown requires.
Placed directly in a single visit. See our full tooth-colored fillings page.
Necessary when damage is too extensive for a partial restoration. See our full porcelain crowns page.
A typical two-visit process, spaced two to three weeks apart.
We assess the extent of decay and your bite to confirm an inlay or onlay is right for your case.
The damaged portion is carefully prepared, and a precise digital impression is taken.
A temporary restoration protects the tooth while your custom piece is crafted.
Your permanent porcelain restoration is bonded and adjusted for a balanced bite.
We don't default to the most extensive treatment when a more conservative option will serve you just as well. Before recommending an inlay or onlay, we evaluate the full extent of the damage, the surrounding tooth structure, and your overall bite mechanics.
We also use tooth-colored, biocompatible porcelain materials, which many of our patients prefer over metal amalgam alternatives as part of their broader whole-body health approach.
This is our Complete Health Dentistry philosophy in action: preserve what can be preserved, reinforce what needs reinforcing, and always explain why.
Schedule a Complete Health ConsultationTreatment fees vary from person to person because every case is different. Before treatment begins, we explain your options, review any applicable insurance benefits, and provide a clear, personalized estimate so you know what to expect.
11623 Angus Rd, Bldg D, Suite 16, Austin, TX 78759
Near the Arboretum and Domain. Serving Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Brushy Creek, Downtown Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, West Lake Hills, and Georgetown.
