Cosmetic Dentistry

Inlays & Onlays

For damage too large for a filling but not extensive enough to need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is often the right answer.

The middle ground

Inlays sit inside the cusps of a tooth. Onlays cover one or more of the cusps. Both are crafted in a dental lab from porcelain shaded to match your tooth, and they bond directly to the tooth for a strong, long-lasting result.

Why patients like them

Inlays and onlays are more conservative than crowns, they preserve more of your natural tooth, and stronger than large fillings. They also blend in beautifully, so the repair is invisible.

A two-visit process

The first visit covers the prep and impression; you wear a temporary while the lab crafts your custom restoration. At the second visit, we check the fit and bond it into place.

See if an inlay or onlay fits your tooth

Call our Pelham Drive office to schedule.

Schedule a Consultation 540-943-9703

Frequently Asked

Common questions

When do I need an inlay or onlay instead of a filling?

When the cavity or fracture is too large for a filling to seal reliably but the tooth still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown. They are common on molars with cracked cusps or large old fillings that have failed.

How is the process different from a crown?

It is essentially the same two-visit pattern: prep the tooth, take an impression, place a temporary, and bond the lab-made restoration at a second visit. The main difference is that less of your natural tooth is removed than for a crown.

Are they covered by insurance?

Most PPO dental plans cover inlays and onlays at the same percentage as a filling or crown depending on the plan, usually 50-80% after the deductible. We will give you a written estimate first.

How long do they last?

Most last 10 to 15 years with good hygiene and a nightguard if you grind. They tend to outlast composite fillings on heavy-load back teeth.

Why patients on Pelham Drive choose Willis Family Dentistry Waynesboro

Dr. Sang Kim, DMD is calm, unhurried, and a graduate of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and he believes the most important skill in dentistry is listening. Patients across Waynesboro, the 22980 corridor, Stuarts Draft, Fishersville, and Lyndhurst choose Willis Family Dentistry Waynesboro on Pelham Drive because every visit feels like a real conversation, not a sales pitch. We talk about cost up front, accept most major PPO insurance plans, and offer the Virginia Dental Club membership for patients without insurance, so cost is never the reason a smile waits. Open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm at 101 Pelham Dr, Waynesboro 22980. Call 540-943-9703 or request an appointment online.