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Cosmetic & Smile Design
Dental Inlays and Onlays in Salt Lake City
When a tooth has too much damage for a standard filling but doesn't need a full crown, dental inlays and onlays salt lake city patients trust at Stoker Dental offer a conservative, precise solution. We accept 19+ insurance plans, provide transparent pricing with no surprise expenses, and offer CareCredit financing to help you get the care you need comfortably. If you think an inlay or onlay may be right for you, give us a call to schedule an evaluation.
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays for Your Smile
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations designed to repair moderate tooth decay or damage while keeping as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible. They're part of our cosmetic and restorative services and reflect our honest, conservative approach — we recommend only the treatment your tooth truly needs.
Preserve More of Your Natural Tooth
Unlike a full crown, which requires reshaping the entire tooth, an inlay or onlay targets only the damaged area. This means more of your natural, healthy tooth stays intact. Preserving tooth structure helps maintain the tooth's long-term strength and may reduce the need for more extensive work down the road.
Long-Lasting Porcelain Restorations
Our porcelain inlay restorations are custom-crafted to match the color and contour of your natural teeth. Porcelain is strong, stain-resistant, and designed to withstand everyday chewing forces. The result is a restoration that looks natural and is built to last for years with proper care.
Inlay vs Onlay — What's the Difference
Understanding the difference between an inlay and an onlay comes down to how much of the tooth needs repair. An inlay fits within the grooves on the chewing surface of a back tooth — the area between the raised edges (cusps). An onlay extends over one or more of those cusps, covering a larger portion of the tooth. Both are custom-made from porcelain, but an onlay provides more coverage when the damage is more extensive. Your dentist will determine which option is appropriate based on a thorough examination.
Inlays and Onlays vs Dental Crowns
A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth and is the right choice when significant structure has been lost. Inlays and onlays, however, are designed for situations where the damage is moderate — too much for a filling but not enough to justify a full crown. Choosing an inlay or onlay when appropriate means less drilling, more preserved tooth, and a restoration that fits precisely within the damaged area. If you're also considering options like dental bonding for minor cosmetic concerns, Dr. Brigham Stoker can help you compare what makes the most sense for your situation.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Getting dental inlays and onlays salt lake city is a straightforward process that typically involves two visits to our office.
Digital Impressions and Custom Fabrication
During your first visit, Dr. Stoker removes the damaged portion of the tooth and takes a digital impression using our iTero scanner — no messy putty trays. This digital scan is used to fabricate your custom porcelain restoration for a precise fit. A temporary restoration protects your tooth while your inlay or onlay is being made. At your second visit, we bond the finished restoration into place, check your bite, and make any final adjustments.
Inlays and Onlays Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of inlays and onlays depends on the size of the restoration, the tooth being treated, and your insurance coverage. Many dental plans cover inlays and onlays as a restorative procedure. Stoker Dental accepts 19+ insurance plans, and our team will verify your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect. We also offer CareCredit financing and a BoomCloud membership plan for patients without insurance. Visit our insurance and financing page for full details.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long do porcelain inlays and onlays last?
Porcelain inlays and onlays are designed to last 10 to 30 years with proper care. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene habits, regular dental checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects. With routine care, your restoration can serve you well for decades.
Are inlays and onlays covered by dental insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover inlays and onlays as a restorative procedure, though coverage levels vary by plan. Our team will help verify your benefits before treatment so there are no surprises. CareCredit financing and our BoomCloud membership plan are also available to help manage costs.
What is the difference between an inlay and a dental filling?
A dental filling is placed directly into a cavity during a single visit, while an inlay is custom-fabricated from porcelain to fit your tooth precisely. Inlays are typically recommended when the area of decay or damage is too large for a standard filling but doesn't require a full crown. They tend to be more durable and offer a closer match to your natural tooth color.
How do I know if I need an inlay, onlay, or crown?
The right restoration depends on how much of your tooth is affected. During your exam, Dr. Stoker will evaluate the extent of damage and recommend only the level of treatment your tooth actually needs — nothing more. That straightforward approach is central to how we practice.
