Inlays and Onlays in Indianapolis, IN
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Contact UsWhat Are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are both restorations that are used to repair a damaged tooth (usually a back tooth / molar) and are used as durable and attractive alternatives to standard fillings and crowns. Inlays and onlays are similar restorations but cover different sections of a tooth. They are one-piece, custom-fitted dental restorations that are fabricated from high-strength material to be able to withstand everyday use, such as biting and chewing. When properly cared for, these dental restorations can last for decades.
If you are currently experiencing failing restorations, inlays or onlays may be a better alternative. We would love for you to call our office at or request an appointment through our website to come in and have us take a look at your current situation.
Inlays
Inlays are used when restoring a tooth's center outside and/or the surface of a tooth.
Usually, a standard filling is enough to fill small areas of a tooth that have been removed due to a dental issue such as a cavity, but fillings that need to span larger areas of a tooth are prone to chip or actually completely fall out under the normal biting stresses put on your teeth. Inlays can fill these larger areas, and because they are made as a one-piece restoration from high-strength materials, they will outlast a standard filling and will hold up for a very long time.
Onlays
Onlays are used when restoring a tooth's cusp or the pointy parts of a tooth. Crowns are used when it becomes necessary to replace the entire tooth's crown because of severe decay, cracks, etc. Sometimes is it not entirely necessary to replace the entire crown and an onlay will be placed instead. Unlike an inlay, an onlay is used to restore the cusp (point) on the biting surface of a tooth. An onlays is a one-piece restorations that is fabricated outside of the mouth and is made from high-strength materials that will last a very long time and stand up to normal biting forces.
Ball Dentistry Reviews
I had Opus laser treatment today, and the results are amazing all ready!! My skin feels tighter and complexion looks more even all ready!! I can’t wait to do another session!!
Was encouraged by a friend to come for a second opinion, a "big company " priced me out over $ 2,000 out of pocket after also maxing out my insurance.. Went to the east office where I spoke with Jessica about my concerns. She set me up with Dr. Craig Who rechecked me. He reviewed x-rays with me described his concerns, explained his game plan and how he would work it. Returning to Jessica she already worked with insurance and drew up a new quote. Not only did my out of pocket drop $1570 from original cost but my insurance was not maxed out, in fact my remaining available balance for the year will definitely be enough if anything else comes up. She went thru paperwork with me , made it clear to me about charges to insurance and remaining out of pocket.. we created a payment plan and scheduled my first appointment.. I feel confident in the work I received today. Dr. Craig relieved me of my anxieties before beginning my procedure. Everything was smooth and I was finished in a timely manner. I appreciate the clarity that was given to me from all sides, start to finish. I have found my family dentist office !
When I moved from the south side to Carmel i was sad to leave my dentist I grew up seeing my whole life. I was referred to Ball Dentistry and first was seeing Dr. Craig Ball. The staff is so nice and the office is gorgeous and clean. I eventually got moved over to Dr. Rachel Thompson who is also amazing. Dr. Rachel Thompson told me last fall I needed to get a crown on a tooth eventually which I never have had to get done so was nervous. I have had sensitivity on that same exact tooth since February and just been so nervous to get a crown done. I just today bit the bullet and got the crown done and so mad I waited so long. Dr. Rachel Thompson executed the whole procedure so flawlessly I didn't feel the shot nor anything during the procedure. Honestly only con of a crown is the price and how long it takes to get done. I recommend Dr. Rachel Thompson as a dentist!
Dr. Rachel Thompson is highly recommended. Super smart, friendly, gentle and supportive. If you want a dentist that listens to you and works to your goals, call Ball Dentistry and schedule with Dr. Rachel!!
They are a very good Dentistry and I have been going there for several years. A friend had recommended Ball to me. If you need a place to go for your teeth, give them a call. I truly believe that you will be happy with the service.
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Are Inlays & Onlays Covered By My Insurance?
Every dental insurance provider treats inlays or onlays differently, but generally your dental insurance may cover a portion of inlays or onlays restoration. Call us at and let us know who your dental insurance provider is and we will happily find out just how much they will cover if you need dental inlays or onlays. We can even submit a pre-treatment estimate for you, so make sure you request an appointment and come in to see us.
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About UsHow Much Are Inlays & Onlays?
The final cost of dental inlays or onlays can depend on many factors. Generally, the larger the restoration, the more costly things can get, but inlays and onlays are affordable restorations that will last a very long time. In situations where a less expensive restoration is used where inlays or onlays were preferred, the non-preferred restoration will usually fail and have to be redone and can even cause more damage than it originally created, leading to an even more expensive future restoration. It is very important to not let the costs of any dental restoration get in the way of the total benefits they can offer.
Because everyone's condition is unique, we prefer you to request an appointment with our office and come in so we can check things out.
Inlays and Onlays FAQs
How do inlays and onlays differ from traditional fillings?
Inlays and onlays serve as a middle-ground solution between traditional fillings and dental crowns. While fillings are typically used for minor cavities, inlays and onlays are ideal for repairing larger areas of decay or damage that don't require a full crown. For instance, an inlay is designed to fit within the cusps (the indented center) of a back tooth, whereas an onlay extends over one or more of the tooth's cusps. When you visit Ball Dentistry, our skilled dentists will guide you in selecting the best option to address your unique dental needs.
Will my inlays or onlays match the color of my natural teeth?
Absolutely! One of the key benefits of inlays and onlays is their ability to be crafted from tooth-colored materials, such as porcelain or composite resin. This allows them to be carefully matched to the natural color of your teeth, resulting in a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile. At our practice, we focus on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your treatment, ensuring that you receive the necessary care while preserving the natural beauty of your smile.
Can inlays and onlays crack or fall off?
While inlays and onlays are designed to be durable, they aren't invincible. Just like natural teeth and other dental restorations, they can crack or become dislodged if exposed to extreme force, such as biting down on hard foods. If this happens, it's important to contact us immediately so we can assess the situation and discuss the next steps.