Inlays and Onlays Dentist in Owings Mills, MD

If your teeth are worn down, cracked, or have large fillings that just don’t hold up anymore, you don’t have to settle for traditional crowns right away. At Crossroads Dental Arts, we offer inlays and onlays, a conservative, long-lasting solution that restores strength, function, and a beautiful natural appearance to your teeth.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations created by skilled dental lab technicians. They are bonded directly to your tooth for strength and stability, and they are tooth-colored so they blend perfectly with your natural smile. Unlike full crowns, inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure, which means less drilling and less removal of healthy material.

Essentially, an inlay fits inside the grooves of your tooth, while an onlay covers one or more cusps (the pointed parts of your tooth). This makes them a versatile option for teeth that are too damaged for a filling but don’t necessarily need a full crown.

Benefits of Choosing Inlays and Onlays

Preserve natural tooth structure: More of your original tooth stays intact compared to traditional crowns.
Durable and long-lasting: With proper care, inlays and onlays can last for many years.
Highly aesthetic: Tooth-colored materials match the shade and shape of your natural teeth.
Improved function: Chewing and biting are restored to their natural strength.
Quick treatment: Usually completed in just two appointments — one for the preparation and impressions, and one for placement.
Better for oral health: Preserves the surrounding tooth and avoids unnecessary removal of healthy material.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The process of getting inlays or onlays is simple, straightforward, and generally very comfortable:

Consultation: During your initial visit, we’ll examine your teeth, take x-rays, and discuss your goals. We’ll explain whether an inlay or onlay is the best choice for your situation.
Preparation: We’ll gently remove any decayed or damaged parts of your tooth. Then, we take impressions of your tooth so the lab can create a perfectly fitting restoration.
Custom fabrication: The inlay or onlay is created in a dental lab using high-quality tooth-colored materials for a natural look.
Placement: At your second visit, we bond the restoration to your tooth with strong dental adhesive. The result is a tooth that looks natural, functions properly, and is fully restored.

Most patients find the process simple and minimally invasive, with little discomfort. And because your restoration is custom-made, it will fit perfectly and feel just like your natural tooth.

Inlays and Onlays vs. Traditional Fillings and Crowns

One of the biggest advantages of inlays and onlays is that they sit right in the middle between fillings and crowns. Here’s why patients love them:

Stronger than fillings: Traditional fillings can weaken a tooth over time. Inlays and onlays restore strength and durability.
Less invasive than crowns: Crowns require removing a lot of healthy tooth. Inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
Long-lasting aesthetics: Unlike some fillings that can stain over time, inlays and onlays maintain their natural tooth color and shine.

Before and After

With just two visits, patients can walk out with teeth that look like new, restoring confidence in both their smile and bite.

Why Choose Crossroads Dental Arts?

At Crossroads Dental Arts, we understand that dental procedures can feel intimidating. Our team prioritizes your comfort, education, and peace of mind. Every restoration is carefully planned, precision-made, and placed with attention to detail so it not only restores your tooth but also complements your smile naturally.

Whether you’re dealing with old fillings, cracks, or teeth that are otherwise compromised, our inlays and onlays in Owings Mills, MD provide a conservative and beautiful solution.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to restore your teeth and smile with inlays or onlays? Contact Crossroads Dental Arts today to schedule a consultation. Our team will walk you through your options, explain the process, and answer any questions you have. Let us help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile once again!