Inlay vs Onlay
in Rancho Mission Viejo

What Is an Inlay?

An inlay is used to restore a tooth when the damage is too large for a filling, but the cusps (the pointed edges of the tooth) are still healthy. It fits neatly between the cusps, like a custom puzzle piece, to rebuild strength and function while preserving the rest of your healthy tooth. It can be made from composite resin or ceramic and is a conservative alternative to a traditional dental crown.

What Is an Onlay?

An onlay is a custom restoration placed after removing decay that covers one or more cusps without needing full coverage. It restores strength and function while preserving healthy tooth structure, and can be made from composite resin or ceramic. This approach is a conservative alternative to a traditional dental crown.

Did you know…

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Traditional dental crowns often require shaving away up to 75% of a tooth’s structure—including healthy enamel and dentin. By contrast, a biomimetic overlay preserves far more of the natural, healthy tooth, keeping it stronger and more resilient for the long term.

Ready to schedule a consult?

Call 949-392-4222

Benefits of Overlays vs. Traditional Dental Crowns

When a tooth is damaged, many dentists default to a crown—a cap that covers the entire tooth. While effective, crowns often require removing a significant amount of healthy enamel and dentin. That means irreversible loss of strong, natural tooth structure.

Overlays offer a more conservative, modern solution. Rather than grinding down the tooth 360 degrees, an overlay restores only the damaged chewing surface. It functions like a custom-fit “armor plate,” bonded into place to protect and strengthen your tooth without compromising its integrity.

View our benefits

Conserves Healthy Tooth Structure

Only the damaged portion is restored, preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Biomimetic Strength

Bonded overlays allow your tooth to flex and function like natural enamel, helping reduce stress and the risk of fractures.

Seamless Esthetics

Overlays are crafted from porcelain or composite materials that blend beautifully with your existing tooth for a natural appearance.

Long-Term Oral Health

By maintaining the strongest parts of the tooth, overlays promote durability and reduce the need for future treatment.

Minimally Invasive Approach

Compared to crowns, overlays require less drilling, less discomfort, and a more tooth-friendly procedure overall.

Did you know…

dental implant icon

Dental implants are the only restorative option that preserves and stimulates your natural bone structure.

Ready for your next dental appointment?

Call 949-392-4222