Why You Should Get Inlays and Onlays
At Downtown Dental Group, we believe that preserving your natural smile is always the best course of action. Since 1986, our team has been dedicated to providing conservative, effective dental solutions to the Manhattan, Kansas community. When you have a tooth that is damaged by decay or injury, you might think your only options are a simple filling or a full dental crown. However, there is a “middle ground” that offers superior strength and longevity: inlays and onlays.
Dr. Juliana Hall and Dr. Ben Reckmeyer frequently recommend these restorations because they allow us to repair your tooth without removing as much healthy enamel as a crown requires. Whether you are coming to us from Wamego, Junction City, or right here in town, our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health through a conversation, not a lecture. By understanding the specific benefits of inlays and onlays, you can make an empowered decision about your dental care.
If you are unsure if this treatment is right for you, we encourage you to call our Manhattan, KS dental office at (785) 776-0097 to schedule an evaluation.
What Are Inlays and Onlays? 
Often referred to as “partial crowns,” inlays and onlays are forms of restorative dentistry used to repair teeth that have mild to moderate decay or fractures. They are custom-made in a lab or via our advanced in-office technology to fit the specific shape of your cavity, acting like a puzzle piece that restores the tooth’s original form.
- Inlays fit within the grooves (cusps) of the chewing surface of a tooth.
- Onlays are larger and cover one or more cusps, sometimes covering the entire biting surface.
Preserving Natural Tooth Structure
One of the most significant benefits of choosing an inlay or onlay is the preservation of your natural tooth structure. When a tooth requires a full dental crown, a significant amount of the natural enamel must be filed down to make room for the cap. This is an irreversible process.
In contrast, inlays and onlays are a minimally invasive alternative. They require the removal of only the decayed or damaged portion of the tooth. By saving more of your healthy tooth structure, we help maintain the overall integrity of your tooth, which is always better for your long-term oral health.
Superior Strength and Durability
While dental fillings are excellent for small cavities, they can actually weaken a tooth if they are used to fill a large space. A large metal or composite filling may flex when you chew, eventually leading to cracks in the tooth or the filling falling out.
Inlays and onlays do the opposite—they actually strengthen the tooth. Because they are bonded directly to the tooth surface using high-strength resins, they can increase the strength of a damaged tooth by up to 75%. They are incredibly durable and can withstand the heavy forces of chewing and grinding, often lasting between 10 to 30 years with proper care.
To learn more about how we can strengthen your smile, contact our dentist’s office near you today at (785) 776-0097.
Aesthetic Appeal for a Seamless Smile 
In the past, treating a large cavity often meant using noticeable metal fillings. Today, inlays and onlays serve as both a restorative and a cosmetic dentistry solution. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin materials that can be color-matched to your natural teeth.
Porcelain, in particular, mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural enamel. Once placed, an inlay or onlay is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth. This allows you to smile, laugh, and speak with total confidence, knowing your dental work is invisible to others.
A Better Fit and Easier Hygiene
Because inlays and onlays are custom-fabricated to the exact specifications of your tooth, they offer a precise fit. This tight seal prevents bacteria from entering the crevices between the restoration and the tooth, significantly reducing the risk of recurrent decay.
Furthermore, unlike full crowns which can sometimes irritate the gum line, inlays and onlays generally do not touch the gums. This makes it easier to brush and floss around the tooth, promoting better periodontal health.
Candidates for Inlays and Onlays
Not every dental issue requires an inlay or onlay, but they are the perfect solution for specific scenarios. Our dentists typically recommend them for patients who:
- Have broken, fractured, or decayed teeth where a regular filling is not enough.
- Have damage that is not severe enough to warrant a full crown.
- Want to replace old, large metal fillings that are failing or look unsightly.
- Desire a long-term, durable solution.
If this sounds like you, please give our friendly team a call at (785) 776-0097.
The Downtown Dental Group Difference 
When you visit Downtown Dental Group, you are choosing a practice that values honesty and efficiency. As our patient Linda K. shared, Dr. Hall is “honest and answered all of my questions straight forward without tacking on unnecessary cost.” We believe in transparency, so you will always know the cost and the reasoning behind your treatment plan before we begin.
Our Manhattan office features advanced dental technology to ensure your experience is as comfortable and precise as possible. We are proud to offer services that respect your time, such as CEREC technology, which in many cases allows us to design, mill, and place ceramic restorations in a single visit. This means fewer injections, no temporary fillings, and less time away from work or family.
Frequently Asked Questions
A filling is a direct restoration, meaning the material (composite or amalgam) is applied directly into the cavity and shaped by the dentist in one sitting. It is best for small cavities. An inlay is an indirect restoration, meaning it is fabricated (solidified) outside of the mouth—either in a lab or via a milling machine—and then cemented into place. Inlays are used for larger cavities because they are stronger and less likely to shrink or crack than a large volume of filling material.
No, the procedure is not painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area completely before removing any decay or preparing the tooth. Our team is known for being “fast, friendly, efficient, and compassionate,” and we will do everything we can to ensure you are relaxed throughout the appointment.
You care for them just like your natural teeth! Simply brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit us for regular checkups and cleanings. Because they are bonded to the tooth, they are extremely stable. Avoiding chewing on very hard objects (like ice or hard candy) will help prolong the life of the restoration.
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for inlays and onlays, typically categorizing them under restorative services. Coverage varies by provider. Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and submit claims on your behalf. If you are uninsured, we will work with you to find a payment option that fits your budget.
Schedule Your Appointment in Manhattan, KS Today
Your smile deserves the best combination of strength, beauty, and longevity. At Downtown Dental Group, we are passionate about providing dentists near you who truly care about your long-term health. Whether you live in Manhattan, Riley, Zeandale, or St. George, KS, we invite you to experience the difference of a hometown dental practice.
Preserve your natural teeth and restore your bite with confidence.
Contact our dentists in Manhattan, KS today or call (785) 776-0097 to schedule your consultation for inlays and onlays.