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Illustrative image: A ceramic dental restoration resting beside a milled ceramic block on a stone-grey benchIllustrative

Ceramic Inlays & Onlays

Planned opening 2027. We are not yet treating patients. These guides are educational; availability and treatment details require confirmation.

Restore a larger damaged area with bonded ceramic when a filling is not enough and the tooth does not need full crown coverage.

At Whole Tooth Dental, inlays and onlays bridge the space between a filling and a crown.

Illustrative image: A small ceramic inlay resting beside the milled block it was cut fromIllustrative
Illustrative imagery — generated to suggest the subject, not a photograph of Whole Tooth Dental or of any patient.

What it is, and why you might discuss it

  • An inlay fits within the chewing surface; an onlay also covers one or more weakened tooth points.
  • Ceramic restorations may be milled from a ceramic block using a digital design or fabricated by a laboratory. Resin-containing bonding materials are typically used to secure them; ceramic does not mean the entire treatment is plastic-free.

How we assess whether it suits you

  • Evaluate remaining walls and cracks.
  • Check the nerve and surrounding gums.
  • Assess bite forces and bonding conditions.

What the process involves

  1. 01Remove decay and prepare the damaged area.
  2. 02Take a digital scan instead of impression trays.
  3. 03Design and fabricate the ceramic restoration.
  4. 04Check fit, bond it and adjust your bite.

Alternatives worth asking about

Benefits

  • Coverage tailored to the damaged area.
  • A tooth-colored ceramic surface.
  • Retention of suitable uncovered tooth structure.

Risks

  • Ceramic or remaining tooth can fracture.
  • Sensitivity or bond failure may occur.

Limitations

  • Not every tooth can support partial coverage.
  • Ceramic does not prevent new decay.

Timing

Some cases need a temporary restoration or multiple visits. Your clinician confirms the fabrication and fitting plan.

Recovery

Follow temporary-restoration instructions if applicable. Report persistent sensitivity or an uneven bite.

What affects the cost

These factors explain the scope of care, not a Whole Tooth price quote. Assessment fees are separate from later treatment estimates. Whole Tooth’s fees and disclosure policy require confirmation; ask about applicable assessment charges before arranging a visit.

  • Extent of ceramic coverage.
  • Preparation complexity.
  • Temporary restoration requirements.

Questions people ask

References

Sources for background information; not a record of clinical approval or individualized instructions.

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