Dental Inlays & Onlays in Peterborough, ON

Get a stronger smile without a full crown. Inlays and onlays repair damaged teeth with precision—offering a natural look and a long-lasting solution when a filling just isn’t enough.

Custom Restoration Solutions in Peterborough

Not every damaged tooth needs a full crown. At Cornerstone Family Dentistry, we offer dental inlays and onlays to restore teeth affected by decay or fracture—while preserving as much natural structure as possible. These custom restorations provide extra strength and durability, helping protect your smile for the long term.

A Perfect Fit Between Filling and Crown

Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations designed to fit inside or over the top of a tooth, depending on the extent of damage. They’re often recommended when a filling is too small and a crown is too much. Each piece is crafted from durable, tooth-coloured material that blends naturally into your smile.

Protection That Preserves Your Tooth

These restorations strengthen the tooth while minimizing the need for drilling or reshaping. Because inlays and onlays are bonded directly to the tooth, they provide a tighter seal and greater resistance to wear compared to traditional fillings—making them ideal for back teeth exposed to pressure.

Long-Term Benefits for Lasting Comfort

With proper care, inlays and onlays can last over a decade. They help prevent further damage, reduce the risk of fractures, and maintain the structural integrity of your tooth—all while offering a seamless, comfortable fit that feels completely natural.

A woman sitting in a dental chair smiles while looking at a handheld mirror.

Restorative Care for Every Stage of Life

Conservative Repair for Teens and Young Adults

For patients who’ve experienced decay or damage on their molars, inlays or onlays provide:

A strong alternative to large fillings
Protection for developing smiles
A long-lasting solution that preserves tooth structure

Durable Options for Adults

Adults often choose inlays or onlays to:

Replace failing fillings or metal restorations
Strengthen weakened or cracked teeth
Avoid more invasive procedures like crowns

Supportive Care for Seniors

Older adults benefit from the precision and durability of inlays/onlays when dealing with:

Recurrent decay around old restorations
Tooth wear from grinding or age-related stress
The need to preserve the remaining natural structure

Our Team

Say Hello to Peterborough’s Smile Experts

Our team shares a commitment to excellence and a passion for creating healthy, confident smiles. We'll treat you like family, delivering the highest standard of care in a warm, welcoming environment.

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Modern Care for Better Outcomes

Experience the difference of modern dentistry with our state-of-the-art CEREC technology, offering same-day crowns and restorations. No more temporary crowns or return visits – get your perfect smile in a single appointment.

Same-Day Emergency Care

Life doesn't wait for dental emergencies, and neither do we. Our dedicated team provides same-day emergency appointments, ensuring you get prompt relief when you need it most.

What to Expect from the Inlay or Onlay Process

Before Your Visit

We recommend:

Sharing any past dental restoration history
Letting us know about sensitivity, discomfort, or a broken filling
Preparing your insurance information
Writing down any questions you have about treatment options

During Your Appointment

Assessment & Imaging: We examine the damaged tooth and take digital impressions
Tooth Prep: Decay or damage is gently removed, and the tooth is prepared for a precise fit
Custom Fabrication: Your inlay or onlay is custom-made, often using CEREC technology for same-day results
Placement & Bonding: The restoration is permanently bonded and polished for smooth function and appearance
Aftercare Instructions: We’ll guide you on how to keep your new restoration in excellent shape

Frequently Asked Questions

Are they covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover inlays and onlays when medically necessary. Our team will check your benefits and explain all costs clearly.

How do I care for an inlay or onlay?

Brush and floss as usual, avoid chewing hard objects, and come in for routine checkups so we can monitor your restoration over time.

Is the procedure painful?

Not at all. We numb the area before treatment and ensure your comfort throughout. Most patients report little to no discomfort.

Can children get inlays or onlays?

In most cases, these restorations are used for teens and adults. For young children, simpler treatments like fillings are typically recommended.

How long do inlays and onlays last?

They can last 10–15 years or more with proper care, including regular cleanings and good oral hygiene.

How long does the procedure take?

With our CEREC technology, many inlays and onlays can be completed in a single visit. In other cases, two visits may be needed.

Will it look natural?

Yes. We use tooth-coloured materials that match your enamel for a seamless, natural appearance.

Are inlays and onlays better than fillings?

They provide more strength and durability than large fillings and offer a better seal to prevent future decay.

What is the difference between an inlay and an onlay?

An inlay fits within the grooves of a tooth, while an onlay covers one or more of the cusps (outer edges). Both restore function without needing a full crown.

When would I need an inlay or onlay?

These are recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t require a full crown—typically for moderate decay or cracks.

Connect with Us

We’d love to make your next dental visit a great one! Call (705) 996-7035 or schedule online to book your appointment—we’ll be in touch soon to confirm.

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