Porcelain Inlays & Onlays in Delta, BC
Porcelain Inlays & Onlays Near You
A tooth with moderate decay or damage does not always need a full dental crown. When a filling may not provide enough support but much of the natural tooth is still healthy, an inlay or onlay can restore the damaged area while preserving more of the remaining tooth structure. At Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide porcelain inlays & onlays in Delta, BC, to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and chewing surface.
If you are looking for porcelain inlays & onlays near you, we will examine the tooth and determine whether an inlay, onlay, filling, or crown is the most appropriate option.
What Are Porcelain Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations used to repair damaged or decayed back teeth. Unlike a filling, which is placed directly into the prepared tooth, an inlay or onlay is designed to match the specific shape of the area being restored and then bonded securely to the tooth.
Porcelain can be selected to blend with the natural colour of surrounding teeth. It also provides a durable chewing surface when used in an appropriate case.
The main difference between an inlay and an onlay is how much of the tooth they cover.
What Is the Difference Between an Inlay and an Onlay?
An inlay fits within the chewing surface of the tooth, between the raised cusps. It may be recommended when the damaged area is too large for a conventional filling but the cusps remain strong and healthy.
An onlay covers a larger portion of the tooth and extends over one or more cusps. It can provide additional support when damage has weakened part of the chewing surface but a full crown is not necessary.
Both options let us restore only the areas that need treatment, rather than covering the entire visible tooth.
When Might You Need an Inlay or Onlay?
Common reasons include:
Moderate tooth decay
A large or failing filling
A cracked or weakened cusp
Damage caused by wear or grinding
A fracture that does not require a full crown
Loss of tooth structure that makes a direct filling less predictable
Not every damaged tooth is suitable for an inlay or onlay. A small cavity may be treated with a composite filling, while a tooth with extensive structural damage may need a crown.
How Are Porcelain Inlays & Onlays Placed?
When we provide porcelain inlays & onlays in Delta, BC, we first assess the tooth, surrounding gums, and bite to determine whether this type of restoration can provide enough support.
The process may include:
Examining the Tooth
We assess the damaged area and determine how much healthy tooth structure remains.
Preparing the Tooth
We remove decay, damaged material, or an old filling as needed.
Scanning the Area
Our Primescan intraoral scanners can capture a detailed digital image of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
Designing the Restoration
We plan the size, shape, and chewing surface of the inlay or onlay.
Creating the Restoration
For suitable cases, we can use our in-house CEREC and milling technology to create the restoration.
Checking the Fit
We evaluate the contacts with neighbouring teeth and how the restoration fits within your bite.
Bonding the Restoration
Once the fit is satisfactory, we securely bond the inlay or onlay to the tooth.
The exact process depends on the tooth and the type of restoration required.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays offer a middle ground between a filling and a full crown.
They may also offer:
Custom fit for the prepared tooth
Support for weakened areas
Tooth-coloured appearance
Restoration of the chewing surface
Less tooth preparation than a full crown
A durable option for selected back teeth
The best restoration depends on the extent of the damage and how the tooth functions within your bite.
Can Inlays and Onlays Be Made in One Visit?
Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry uses CEREC technology, two Primescan intraoral scanners, and two in-house milling machines for restorative treatment.
For suitable cases, this technology may allow us to digitally scan, design, create, and place an inlay or onlay within the same office rather than relying on an outside laboratory.
However, not every restoration is appropriate for same-day treatment. We will explain the recommended process after evaluating the tooth.
How Can You Care for an Inlay or Onlay?
Porcelain restorations still rely on the health of the natural tooth underneath and around them. The restoration itself cannot develop a cavity, but decay can occur where the porcelain meets the tooth.
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, and attend regular dental examinations and professional cleanings. We monitor existing restorations for wear, fractures, changes in the bite, or decay around the margins.
If you grind or clench your teeth, tell us. Excessive bite forces can affect both natural teeth and dental restorations.
Contact us if an inlay or onlay becomes loose, chips, or causes new discomfort when you bite.
Why Choose Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry for Inlays & Onlays?
Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry has served the Delta community for 35 years and provides a range of restorative care in-house. If you are looking for a dentist in Delta, BC, for a damaged tooth, we can assess whether a filling, inlay, onlay, crown, or another treatment is most appropriate rather than automatically choosing the most extensive restoration.
When visiting our dental clinic near you, you can expect:
Porcelain restorative options
Two Primescan intraoral scanners
Two in-house milling machines
CEREC technology for suitable restorations
Comprehensive restorative care
Clear treatment explanations
An anxiety-friendly approach
We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and major dental insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and treatment.
Schedule Porcelain Inlays & Onlays Near You
If you have a damaged tooth or a large filling that is beginning to fail, an examination can determine how much support the tooth needs. At Delta Centre Laser Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide porcelain inlays & onlays near you with digital planning and restorative treatment designed to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever appropriate.
Call 604-597-8255 to schedule an appointment at 7337 120 St, Delta, BC V4C 1C9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an onlay the same as a crown?
No. An onlay covers only the damaged or weakened portion of the tooth, including one or more cusps when necessary. A crown covers most or all of the visible tooth above the gumline.
How do I know whether I need an inlay, onlay, or filling?
The choice depends on the size and location of the damage and how much healthy tooth structure remains. We determine the appropriate restoration after examining the tooth.
Do porcelain inlays and onlays look natural?
Porcelain can be selected to blend with surrounding teeth, making the restoration less noticeable.
How long do inlays and onlays last?
Their lifespan varies according to bite forces, oral hygiene, grinding habits, tooth location, and other factors. Regular dental care helps us monitor the restoration over time.
Are porcelain inlays and onlays covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Coverage depends on your individual plan, the tooth being treated, and the reason for the restoration. Our team can help you review available coverage before treatment.