Inlays and Onlays in Hervey Bay
When a tooth has too much damage for a standard filling – but isn’t quite ready for a crown – there’s a middle ground that works beautifully: inlays and onlays. These restorations are custom-made to fit your tooth precisely, offering strength, longevity, and a seamless appearance.
If you’ve been told you need more than a filling but not a full crown, this might be the solution your smile needs.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Think of inlays and onlays as precision repairs. They’re stronger than regular fillings and more conservative than crowns, helping preserve the healthy parts of your tooth.
- Inlays fit inside the grooves between the cusps (points) of the tooth
- Onlays cover one or more of those cusps when the damage spreads further.
Both are made from durable materials like ceramic or composite resin, matched to the natural shade of your tooth. They’re bonded in place with care, restoring both function and appearance.
Reasons to Choose This Restoration
Not every cavity or crack is the same. Some need more support than a standard filling can offer. Others don’t justify removing as much structure as a full crown would require. In these in-between cases, inlays and onlays strike the perfect balance.
Here’s what makes them an excellent choice:
- Long-lasting and resistant to wear
- More conservative than crowns
- Blends in naturally with your teeth
- Custom-made for a precise fit
- Preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible
Your dentist will examine the tooth and help determine which option fits best – not just for today, but for the future of your smile.
Enjoy A Comfortable, Two-Step Process
The process for this restoration usually takes two visits. First, the tooth is prepared, and we take a digital or physical impression. A local lab then creates your custom piece, and we bond it securely in place at your follow-up appointment. It’s a straightforward process with long-term benefits.
Strengthen Your Tooth Without Being Excessive
If your filling won’t hold but a crown feels like too much, Dentist in Hervey Bay has the answer. Talk to our Hervey Bay dental team today and find out if inlays or onlays are right for you.