Glendale, Arizona
Inlays & Onlays in
Glendale, AZ
When a tooth has too much damage for a filling but not enough to need a full crown, an inlay or onlay is the most conservative and durable option. SmileScience Dental Spa mills all-ceramic inlays and onlays in our on-site PlanMeca 60S digital lab -- often same day, with no metal and no unnecessary tooth reduction.
What Are Inlays and Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are indirect ceramic restorations -- meaning they are fabricated as a custom-fitted piece and bonded into or onto the tooth, rather than packed in place like a direct filling. They occupy the space between a filling and a crown, restoring significant tooth damage while removing as little healthy structure as possible.
They are used when a cavity or crack has compromised enough of the tooth that a composite filling would not be strong enough or durable enough, but the remaining tooth walls are still healthy and intact enough that a full crown would be over-treatment. The goal is to remove only what is damaged, reinforce what remains, and restore full function.
At SmileScience, Dr. John Turke mills inlays and onlays chairside in our PlanMeca 60S digital lab from solid E.max ceramic blocks. Many cases can be completed same-day -- one appointment, no temporary, no outside laboratory. Dr. Turke applies a conservative-first philosophy: he recommends the least invasive restoration that provides adequate strength for the tooth's function and position, which is why inlays and onlays are a frequent choice at the practice rather than an upsell from a filling to a crown.
Inlays and Onlays at SmileScience Dental Spa -- Glendale, AZ
- -- All-ceramic inlays and onlays are milled same-day from E.max lithium disilicate in the on-site PlanMeca 60S lab
- -- An inlay fills within the cusps; an onlay extends over one or more cusps -- selected based on where damage exists
- -- Ceramic bonded restorations reinforce the remaining tooth walls; large composite fillings do not
- -- Most appointments take approximately 2 hours; no temporary restoration is required
- -- Ceramic inlays and onlays typically last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance
Filling, Inlay, Onlay, or Crown?
The restoration Dr. Turke recommends depends on how much original tooth structure remains and how much load the tooth bears. Here is how the four options differ.
Composite Filling
Packed directly into a cleaned cavity. Ideal for small to medium damage inside the cusps. Limited by the amount of tooth lost -- large fillings flex under bite forces and can crack the remaining walls over time.
Best for: Small-to-medium cavities with intact surrounding walls
Inlay
A custom ceramic piece that fits precisely within the cusps of the tooth. Fabricated outside the mouth for a better fit and stronger material than a direct filling. Bonded in place to reinforce the remaining tooth walls.
Best for: Damage confined within the cusps -- too large for a filling, cusps still intact
Onlay
Like an inlay, but extends over one or more cusps to replace damaged cusp structure. Where an inlay fills in, an onlay rebuilds the chewing surface. Protects a cusp that is cracked or at risk of fracture without reducing the entire tooth for a crown.
Best for: Damage that extends to or has compromised a cusp -- but significant healthy wall structure remains
Crown
Covers the entire visible tooth surface. Required when too much original structure has been lost to support a partial restoration. Provides maximum protection but requires the most preparation of the remaining tooth.
Best for: Extensive damage, post-root canal back teeth, heavily fractured or worn teeth
Dr. Turke's approach: always the most conservative option that provides adequate strength.
Removing healthy tooth structure is irreversible. An inlay or onlay preserves far more of the original tooth than a crown requires -- and the ceramic material, when bonded correctly, actually reinforces the remaining walls. A well-done onlay on a cracked molar is a better long-term outcome than a crown placed before it was truly necessary.
Why Ceramic?
All-Ceramic Inlays and Onlays Last
Traditional gold inlays and onlays were the standard for decades -- they are still durable and appropriate in some cases. But E.max lithium disilicate ceramic has changed what is possible with tooth-colored restorations. The material bonds chemically to tooth enamel and dentin, reinforcing the remaining walls rather than just filling the space.
Unlike composite resin, which is packed in layers and subject to shrinkage and microleakage over time, an indirect ceramic restoration is fabricated to precise tolerances and seated in one piece. The margins are tighter and the bite contacts are more accurate because the design is done digitally and verified at chairside before bonding.
Ceramic is also the esthetic choice -- it matches the surrounding teeth in color and translucency and does not darken or stain over time the way composite can.
Ceramic vs. Composite Filling: At a Glance
- ✓Reinforces remaining tooth walls -- composite fills, ceramic bonds and strengthens
- ✓No shrinkage -- ceramic does not contract during curing; composite does
- ✓Tighter margins -- milled from digital scans to within microns of the preparation
- ✓Color stability -- ceramic does not stain or discolor over time
- ✓Longevity -- ceramic inlays/onlays typically last 15 -- 20 years with proper maintenance
The Inlay / Onlay Procedure at SmileScience
Most inlays and onlays are completed same-day in one appointment of approximately 2 hours. The PlanMeca 60S digital lab eliminates the need for a temporary restoration or a second visit.
Preparation Under Local Anesthesia
The decayed, cracked, or damaged portion of the tooth is removed under local anesthesia. For an inlay, the preparation stays within the cusps. For an onlay, it extends over one or more cusps. The preparation walls are shaped to precise angles that allow the ceramic piece to lock in with maximum bond strength. Only damaged structure is removed -- healthy enamel and dentin are preserved.
Digital Scan
The Trios 5 intraoral scanner captures a 3D digital impression of the prepared tooth, surrounding teeth, and opposing bite. No impression trays or goop. The scan is sent directly to the design software.
CAD/CAM Design at Chairside
Dr. Turke designs the inlay or onlay in CAD/CAM software, precisely contouring the fit, bite contacts, and anatomy of the chewing surface. The design is reviewed on the chairside screen before milling begins.
Milling (15 -- 20 Minutes)
The PlanMeca 60S 5-axis mill carves the restoration from a solid E.max ceramic block. The finished piece is adjusted, polished, and shade-matched to the surrounding teeth.
Adhesive Bonding
The ceramic piece is adhesively bonded to the prepared tooth with a dual-cure resin cement. This bond chemically integrates the ceramic with the tooth structure, reinforcing the remaining walls and sealing the margins. Bite is verified and fine-tuned. You leave with the permanent restoration in place.
Replacing Large Amalgam Fillings
Many adults who had large amalgam (silver) fillings placed in their teens and twenties are now seeing those restorations fail. Amalgam expands and contracts with temperature changes over decades, slowly wedging the surrounding tooth walls apart. Cracks develop, cusps fracture, and the margins eventually leak -- leading to recurrent decay beneath the old filling.
When a large amalgam filling is removed and the resulting cavity spans a significant portion of the tooth, a ceramic onlay is often the best replacement rather than another composite filling. The ceramic restoration can be bonded across the cracked walls, reinforcing the tooth against further propagation of existing cracks and providing a long-term solution rather than a temporary repair.
Dr. Turke assesses each tooth individually after removing the old material. If an onlay is warranted, you will receive a recommendation with a clear explanation of why -- never a blanket upgrade from a filling to an onlay without clinical justification.
Related Services
More Restorative Options at SmileScience
Inlay and Onlay FAQs
An inlay fills within the cusps of the tooth -- it sits below the tips of the cusps and does not replace any of them. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, replacing the cusp structure that has been damaged or lost. Both are indirect ceramic restorations fabricated to precise tolerances and bonded in place. The choice depends on where the damage is -- if any cusps are cracked, compromised, or need to be replaced, an onlay is required rather than an inlay.
Ceramic inlays and onlays, when placed with good preparation and adhesive bonding, typically last 15 to 20 years. Longevity depends on home hygiene, the bite forces on that area, and whether you grind your teeth. Patients who grind should wear a custom night guard to protect ceramic restorations. Inlays and onlays can be repaired or replaced when needed without the level of preparation required for a full crown.
For large cavities that span most of the width of the tooth's chewing surface, an indirect ceramic restoration is more durable and better fits the cavity than a direct composite filling of that size. Large composite fillings flex under bite forces in ways that can crack the remaining tooth walls over time. A ceramic inlay or onlay bonds to and reinforces those walls rather than simply filling the space. For small to medium cavities with significant healthy wall structure remaining, a composite filling remains appropriate.
Yes, in most cases. The majority of inlays and onlays at SmileScience are fabricated in our on-site PlanMeca 60S digital lab during the same appointment. The process -- preparation, digital scan, CAD/CAM design, milling, and bonding -- typically takes about 2 hours. You leave with the permanent ceramic restoration in place, with no temporary and no return visit.
Ceramic inlays and onlays are typically covered at the same level as a crown by most dental insurance plans -- 50% of the procedure fee after your deductible. Coverage varies by plan. We verify your specific benefits before treatment and provide a written cost estimate. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit is available if needed.
The preparation is done under local anesthesia, so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure. Mild sensitivity to temperature is normal for a day or two after the appointment and resolves quickly. The bite will feel slightly different for a day or two as you adjust to the new restoration; this is normal. If the bite feels significantly off after 24 to 48 hours, contact us for a quick adjustment.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
The Conservative Choice for a Stronger Tooth
When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but not damaged enough for a crown, an inlay or onlay is the right answer. Request an appointment with Dr. Turke at SmileScience Dental Spa in Glendale, AZ -- and in most cases, we can complete the restoration the same day.