What Is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?

When it comes to restoring damaged teeth, many patients immediately think of fillings or crowns. But did you know there are other highly effective options in modern dentistry? Inlays and onlays are strong, durable restorations that can save more of your natural tooth while providing long-lasting protection. If you’re searching for “inlay vs onlay,” “difference between inlays and onlays,” or “best dental restoration for cavities,” this blog will help you understand which treatment may be right for you.

What Is a Dental Inlay?

An inlay is used when a cavity or damage is too large for a regular filling but not severe enough to require a full crown. It fits neatly inside the grooves of your tooth, restoring the chewing surface without covering the entire tooth.

Benefits of inlays:

Preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin.
Blend in naturally with your teeth.
More resistant to wear than traditional fillings.
Inlays are an excellent option for moderate decay or fractures in the back teeth.

What Is a Dental Onlay?

An onlay, sometimes called a “partial crown,” is similar to an inlay but covers a larger portion of the tooth. It not only fills the cavity inside the grooves but also extends over one or more cusps (the raised points on your tooth).

Benefits of onlays:

Strengthen weakened teeth without a full crown.
Protect vulnerable cusps from cracking.
Made from porcelain, resin, or gold for long-lasting durability.
A conservative alternative to a crown.
Onlays are usually recommended when a tooth is weakened, cracked, or has decay that reaches the cusps.

Inlay vs Onlay: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between an inlay and an onlay lies in how much of the tooth they cover:

Inlay → Fits within the chewing surface and does not cover the cusps.
Onlay → Covers one or more cusps in addition to the chewing surface.
Think of it this way:
If the damage is contained within the grooves, you may need an inlay.
If the damage extends to the cusps, you’ll likely need an onlay.
Both are more conservative than a crown since they preserve more of your natural tooth.

Why Choose Inlays or Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are often recommended over fillings or crowns because they:
Provide a stronger, longer-lasting solution than regular fillings.
Require less tooth removal than crowns.
Look natural and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Reduce the risk of future fractures by reinforcing the tooth.

Inlays and Onlays at Midtown Dental Studio, Toronto

At Midtown Dental Studio in Toronto, our experienced dentists — Dr. Robin Kutner, Dr. Laurel Linetsky-Fleisher, and Dr. Alex Good — offer custom-made inlays and onlays using high-quality materials for strength, beauty, and durability.

Our clinic is:

Wheelchair accessible
TTC accessible for easy transit access
Parking available nearby
Accepting CDCP (Canadian Dental Care Plan) and other insurance plans

Whether you need an inlay, onlay, or another type of dental restoration, we’ll carefully evaluate your needs and recommend the best option to restore your smile.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been told you need more than a filling but less than a crown, inlays and onlays may be the perfect middle ground. They offer strength, aesthetics, and long-term protection for your teeth.

Ready to restore your smile? Book your appointment today at www.midtowndentalstudio.ca or call 416-481-7887 to consult with Dr. Kutner, Dr. Linetsky-Fleisher, or Dr. Good.