Preserve More of Your Natural Tooth Structure — Without Compromising Strength

If you have a tooth with moderate damage, decay, or an old failing filling, a full crown might not be necessary. Inlays and onlays offer a minimally invasive alternative — restoring your tooth with a durable, lab-crafted restoration that blends seamlessly with your natural enamel.

At Elevated Dentistry in Walnut Creek, we use porcelain and ceramic inlays/onlays to repair and reinforce teeth while preserving as much healthy structure as possible. It’s a functional and aesthetic solution designed to last.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that are bonded to the tooth — similar to a filling, but much stronger and more precise.

• Inlays fit inside the grooves of your tooth (within the cusps)
  
• Onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth — sometimes called a “partial crown”
  

They’re typically used when:

• A tooth has decay too large for a filling
  
• A previous filling has failed or cracked
  
• You want a longer-lasting alternative to composite resin
  
• You want to avoid the full coverage of a dental crown
  

We often recommend inlays and onlays when the damage is significant — but not enough to warrant a full crown.

Benefits of Inlays & Onlays

• Tooth preservation – removes less enamel than a full crown
  
• Durable and long-lasting – stronger than composite fillings
  
• Stain-resistant – especially when made from porcelain
  
• Natural-looking – color-matched to your tooth
  
• Custom-crafted – designed for a perfect, comfortable fit
  

They’re also less likely to shrink or break down over time compared to large fillings, making them a great long-term investment in your oral health.

What to Expect: The Inlay/Onlay Process

1. Evaluation & Imaging
   We assess the tooth and determine if an inlay or onlay is the most conservative option.
   
2. Tooth Preparation
   Damaged or decayed portions are removed, and the tooth is prepared for restoration.
   
3. Digital Impressions
   We take precise digital scans and select the perfect shade for a natural look.
   
4. Temporary Restoration
   A temporary inlay/onlay is placed while your final restoration is fabricated by a dental lab.
   
5. Placement
   At your next visit, we permanently bond the restoration and make any necessary adjustments.
   

We use high-quality materials like porcelain and ceramic, offering strength, esthetics, and biocompatibility.

Inlays & Onlays vs. Fillings vs. Crowns

We’ll recommend the most appropriate option based on your tooth’s condition and your long-term oral health needs.

Why Choose Elevated Dentistry?

• Expert restorative care with an emphasis on tooth preservation
  
• Custom lab-crafted inlays and onlays for superior fit and esthetics
  
• Metal-free, tooth-colored materials
  
• Digital imaging and precise prep for long-lasting results
• Gentle, judgment-free care in a comfortable environment
  

Our team — including Dr. Michael Tobian and Dr. Maurissa Kiefer — brings both technical skill and a patient-first philosophy to every restorative case.

Serving Walnut Creek and the Greater East Bay

We provide high-quality inlay and onlay restorations for patients in:

• Walnut Creek
  
• Pleasant Hill
  
• Concord
  
• Lafayette
  
• Alamo
  
• Danville
  

Our office is located near Lennon Ln and offers flexible appointment times for busy schedules.