Inlays & Onlays in Aurora, ON | Conservative Tooth Restoration | Aurora Borealis Dentistry

Restorative Dentistry

Inlays & Onlays in Aurora, ON

A conservative, custom-fitted restoration for the middle ground between a filling and a full crown.

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth has too much damage for a simple filling but not enough to require a full crown.

At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Waji Khan uses inlays and onlays to restore strength and function while preserving as much of your natural tooth as possible. Each one is custom-fabricated from durable, tooth-coloured porcelain or composite and bonded precisely into place — a strong, natural-looking result often called an "indirect" restoration because it's made outside the mouth and then fitted.

The conservative middle ground. When a tooth is too damaged for a filling, the instinct might be to jump straight to a crown — but a crown removes more healthy tooth structure. Where it's clinically appropriate, an inlay or onlay restores the tooth while keeping more of it intact.

The Difference

What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

Both restore a damaged tooth, and the difference comes down to how much of the tooth's biting surface they cover:

Inlay

Fits within the cusps (the raised points) of the tooth's chewing surface — filling the area between them. Used when the damage is contained to the centre of the tooth.

Onlay

Extends over one or more cusps, covering a larger area while still leaving healthy tooth structure intact. Sometimes called a "partial crown" because it bridges the gap toward full coverage.

Dr. Khan determines which is appropriate based on the location and extent of the damage, confirmed during your examination.

Compare Your Options

Where inlays and onlays fit

These restorations sit on a spectrum from least to most coverage. The right one depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains:

Restoration	Best for	Tooth structure preserved
Filling	Small to moderate decay or damage	✓ Most
Inlay	Damage contained within the cusps	More than an onlay
Onlay	Damage extending over one or more cusps	More than a crown
Crown	Extensive damage, cracks, or post-root canal	Least — full coverage

Learn more about fillings and crowns, or read on for what inlays and onlays offer.

Why It Helps

Benefits of inlays and onlays

ConservativePreserves more natural tooth than a full crown

Strong & durableCustom porcelain stands up to chewing forces for years

Precise fitCustom-fabricated for an exact, sealed fit

Natural appearanceTooth-coloured material matched to your tooth

Protects the toothReinforces a weakened tooth against further damage

Stain-resistantPorcelain resists staining better than large composite fillings

What To Expect

The inlay & onlay process

Examination & planning

Dr. Khan examines the tooth and uses digital X-rays to confirm an inlay or onlay is the right restoration and to plan the approach.

Comfortable numbing

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. For anxious patients, sedation options including nitrous oxide are available.

Preparing the tooth

Decay or old filling material is removed and the tooth is gently shaped — conservatively, removing only what's necessary.

Impression & temporary

A precise impression is taken so your restoration is fabricated to fit exactly. A temporary restoration protects the tooth in the meantime.

Bonding the restoration

At your next visit, the custom inlay or onlay is checked for fit and bite, then bonded securely into place and polished.

Care & maintenance

Inlays and onlays are cared for like natural teeth. We monitor them at your regular hygiene visits.

Most inlays and onlays involve two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and fit a temporary, and one to bond the custom restoration. Dr. Khan will confirm your timeline at the planning stage.

Related Treatments

Related restorative options

Less Coverage

Dental Fillings

For smaller cavities and minor damage, a tooth-coloured composite filling restores the tooth in a single visit while preserving the most natural structure.

Learn about fillings

Full Coverage

Dental Crowns

When damage is too extensive for an onlay — or the tooth is cracked or root canal-treated — a crown provides full protective coverage.

Learn about crowns

Not sure which restoration your tooth needs? That's exactly what an examination determines. Dr. Khan always recommends the most conservative option that will reliably restore the tooth — book an evaluation and you'll get a clear explanation of the choices.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay fits within the cusps of the tooth's chewing surface, while an onlay extends over one or more cusps. Both are custom-made and bonded into place; the onlay simply covers a larger area, which is why it's sometimes called a partial crown.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, porcelain inlays and onlays typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their durability and precise fit often make them longer-lasting than a large direct filling in the same tooth.

Is getting an inlay or onlay painful?

No — the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during treatment. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal. Sedation is available for anxious patients.

Why choose an inlay or onlay instead of a crown?

When a tooth has enough healthy structure remaining, an inlay or onlay restores it while preserving more of the natural tooth than a crown, which requires removing more tooth structure. Where it's clinically appropriate, the more conservative option is preferred.

How many appointments does it take?

Most inlays and onlays involve two appointments — one to prepare the tooth and fit a temporary restoration, and a second to bond the custom-fabricated inlay or onlay once it's ready.

Does insurance cover inlays and onlays in Ontario?

Coverage varies by plan and by how the restoration is classified. Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and direct bills most major insurers. Your coverage is reviewed before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

Book Now

Book an appointment in Aurora

If you have a tooth that's too damaged for a filling but you'd like to avoid a full crown where possible, an inlay or onlay may be the answer. Dr. Khan will assess the tooth and recommend the most conservative restoration that will properly restore it. We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome and the CDCP is accepted.

Book Online 905-538-8808

Individual results vary. The appropriate restoration for a given tooth depends on a clinical examination and diagnostic imaging; treatment recommendations are made on an individual basis. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.