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
Not to air my personal journey to the internet but I hadn’t been to the dentist since the pandemic so I was naturally pretty anxious to go and yet I was treated with such patience, grace, kindness and humor by Dr. Craig, Campbell, and Lisa. Everyone I spoke to was so helpful and without judgement and a lot of reassurance- I can’t recommend this place enough!
Great people! My daughter been going there since she was5
Great place with a really friendly and caring, professional staff. Thanks, ladies and gentlemen!
Always great service and friendly staff!!!
Very nice people! Haven’t had a bad experience
147
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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.