When a tooth has been damaged by decay or trauma, but the damage isn’t extensive enough to require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer an ideal middle-ground solution. At JAX Dental Studio, Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Chuck Poblenz provide custom-crafted inlays and onlays that restore both the function and natural beauty of your smile.
Located in the heart of Jacksonville, our practice has been serving the local community with advanced restorative dentistry for years. We understand that preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible is always the best approach, which is why inlays and onlays have become such valuable tools in our treatment arsenal.
Inlays and onlays are often called “indirect fillings” because they’re custom-made in a dental laboratory before being bonded to your tooth. While traditional fillings are molded directly into your tooth during your appointment, inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth and then precisely fitted to restore your tooth’s structure.
The difference between an inlay and an onlay comes down to how much of the tooth they cover. An inlay fits within the cusps (the raised points) of your tooth, filling the space between them much like a puzzle piece. An onlay, sometimes called a “partial crown,” extends over one or more of the cusps to provide more comprehensive coverage when the damage is more extensive.
Both restorations are typically made from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or composite resin, allowing them to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. At JAX Dental Studio, we take pride in creating restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from your surrounding teeth.
When patients come to our Jacksonville office with a damaged tooth, we carefully evaluate the extent of the decay or damage to recommend the most appropriate treatment. While traditional fillings work well for small to moderate cavities, inlays and onlays offer several advantages when the damage is too extensive for a filling but doesn’t quite warrant a full crown.
First and foremost, inlays and onlays are incredibly durable. Because they’re fabricated in a lab from strong materials like porcelain, they can withstand the forces of chewing better than traditional composite fillings. Many of our patients have had their inlays and onlays last 10 to 30 years with proper care—significantly longer than most traditional fillings.
Another significant benefit is that these restorations help preserve more of your natural tooth structure. Unlike crowns, which require the removal of a substantial amount of tooth material, inlays and onlays are more conservative. We only remove the damaged portion of the tooth, keeping as much healthy tooth structure intact as possible. This is particularly important because every time you have dental work done that removes tooth structure, you’re left with a little less to work with in the future.
The precision fit of inlays and onlays is another advantage worth noting. Because they’re custom-made in a lab based on detailed impressions of your tooth, they fit more precisely than fillings that are molded by hand. This superior fit creates a better seal against bacteria, reducing the risk of future decay around the restoration. It also means less risk of the restoration pulling away from the tooth over time.
From an aesthetic standpoint, inlays and onlays made from porcelain or composite materials look remarkably natural. The color, translucency, and even the subtle variations that make natural teeth unique can all be replicated in these restorations. Many of our Jacksonville patients appreciate that their dental work doesn’t announce itself every time they smile or laugh.
Comprehensive dental care accessible to all families regardless of insurance type or coverage limitations.
Getting an inlay or onlay typically requires two visits to our Jacksonville office, though we make every effort to ensure the process is as comfortable and convenient as possible.
During your first appointment, we’ll begin by numbing the area to ensure you’re completely comfortable. We want you to feel relaxed throughout the procedure, so if you experience dental anxiety, please let us know. We offer sedation options that can help even our most anxious patients feel at ease during their treatment.
Once you’re comfortable, we’ll carefully remove the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. This is done conservatively, taking care to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as we can. After cleaning the area thoroughly, we’ll take detailed impressions of your tooth. These impressions serve as a blueprint for the dental lab, ensuring your inlay or onlay will fit perfectly.
Before you leave, we’ll place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth while your permanent inlay or onlay is being crafted. This temporary restoration allows you to eat and function normally, though we’ll ask you to be gentle with it and avoid sticky or hard foods on that side.
The lab typically needs about two weeks to create your custom restoration. During this time, skilled technicians will craft your inlay or onlay to match the exact shape, size, and color needed to restore your tooth beautifully.
When you return for your second appointment, we’ll remove the temporary restoration and try in your new inlay or onlay to check the fit and color. Once we’re both satisfied that everything looks and feels perfect, we’ll permanently bond the restoration to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive. After making any final adjustments to your bite, you’ll leave our office with a fully restored tooth.
One of the best things about inlays and onlays is that they don’t require any special care beyond what you should already be doing for your natural teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and visiting us for regular checkups and cleanings will keep your restoration—and the rest of your smile—in excellent condition.
During your regular hygiene appointments at our Jacksonville office, we’ll check your inlay or onlay to make sure it’s still fitting well and that there are no signs of wear or decay around the edges. These preventive visits are important for catching small issues before they become bigger problems.
While inlays and onlays are very durable, they’re not indestructible. We recommend avoiding habits that can damage your restorations, such as chewing ice, biting your fingernails, or using your teeth to open packages. If you grind your teeth at night, we may recommend a night guard to protect both your natural teeth and your restorations from excessive wear.
During your examination, we’ll help you determine if an inlay or onlay is the right choice for your situation. Generally, these restorations are ideal when you have:
A cavity that’s too large for a traditional filling but doesn’t require a full crown. If decay has spread into the cusps of your tooth or affects a larger area, an inlay or onlay can restore the tooth while preserving healthy structure.
An old, failing filling that needs to be replaced. If you have a large silver filling that’s begun to crack or leak, replacing it with an inlay or onlay can provide a more durable, attractive solution.
A fractured or cracked tooth. When a cusp has broken off or a tooth has developed a crack, an onlay can cover and protect the damaged area, preventing further fracture.
A tooth weakened by root canal therapy. After a root canal, teeth can become more brittle. An onlay can strengthen and protect the tooth without requiring the extensive tooth reduction needed for a crown.
When it comes to restorative dentistry in Jacksonville, our patients trust us to provide treatment that’s both clinically excellent and personally attentive. Dr. Jay Laudenbach and Dr. Chuck Poblenz bring years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and they’ve helped countless local residents restore damaged teeth with beautiful, long-lasting results.
We invest in advanced technology and techniques to ensure your restorations are crafted with precision and care. From digital impressions that provide more accurate results to high-quality dental labs that create beautiful, durable restorations, we don’t cut corners when it comes to your dental health.
Perhaps most importantly, we understand that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some people. Our team works hard to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where you feel heard and cared for. We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in your treatment plan before we proceed.
If you have a damaged tooth or have been told you need a filling or crown, we invite you to explore whether an inlay or onlay might be a better option. During a comprehensive examination at our Jacksonville office, we’ll evaluate your tooth, discuss your treatment options, and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Don’t let a damaged tooth compromise your oral health or your confidence in your smile. Contact JAX Dental Studio today to schedule your consultation and discover how inlays and onlays can restore your tooth with natural-looking, long-lasting results. We’re here to help Jacksonville residents achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
