Inlays and Onlays Near You
Not every harmed tooth requires a full crown. At Forest Heights Dental, we offer inlays and onlays in Calgary as a conservative and long-lasting option for treating moderate decay or minor fractures. These custom restorations are designed to preserve more of your natural tooth while providing strength, durability, and a natural appearance.
Looking for inlays and onlays near you? Our team is here to restore your smile with precision and care.
What Are Inlays and Onlays, and Why Choose Them?
Inlays and onlays are custom-made restorations used when a tooth has damage that is too extensive for a regular filling but does not need a full crown. They are crafted from strong materials such as porcelain or composite resin & are securely bonded to the tooth.
A dentist in Calgary may recommend:
- Inlays to repair impairment within the cusps of a tooth
- Onlays to cover one or more cusps or larger areas of the tooth
- Tooth-coloured materials for a natural and seamless look
- Digital impressions to ensure an accurate fit
- Techniques that help preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible
These restorations are strong, discreet, and designed to maintain the integrity of your natural smile.
Signs You Might Need an Inlay or Onlay
You may want to visit a dentist for this type of treatment if:
- You have a large cavity that cannot be effectively treated with a filling.
- Your tooth is cracked but still mostly intact.
- You want a more durable solution than traditional fillings.
- You prefer a conservative alternative to a dental crown.
- You have experienced recurring issues with the same tooth.
Inlays and onlays near you offer a balanced solution more durable than fillings while preserving more of your natural tooth compared to crowns.
Smart Solutions for Stronger Smiles
Our team prioritizes saving your natural tooth structure by using inlays and onlays to deliver long-lasting results.
Here is what you can expect during your visit:
- Pricing that tracks the Alberta Dental Fee Guide for transparency
- Flexible scheduling options, including Saturday appointments
- Support for walk-ins and urgent dental needs
- High-quality, durable materials
- Acceptance of most insurance plans
- A clean, modern, and comfortable clinic environment
- Restorations tailored to your bite and daily lifestyle
If you are looking for a dentist near you who combines modern techniques with attention to detail, our team is here to help.
Let’s Reinforce Your Smile Without Overdoing It
A strong and natural-looking solution can make all the difference. Call Forest Heights Dental at 403-272-6706 to book your consultation for inlays and onlays in Calgary. We will help protect your tooth, preserve your smile, and restore your confidence with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays and onlays in SE Calgary typically cost $800-$1,500 per tooth, depending on size and material. Porcelain inlays/onlays are $900-$1,500, while composite resin versions are $800-$1,200. They cost more than regular fillings ($150-$450) but less than full crowns ($1,200-$2,500). Most dental insurance covers 50% of inlay/onlay costs. Forest Heights Dental provides cost estimates and works with your insurance.
Inlays fit within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of your tooth, similar to a filling but more durable. Onlays cover one or more cusps and extend over the tooth’s surface, like a partial crown. Both are custom-made in a dental lab to fit your tooth precisely. Think of inlays as “inside the tooth” and onlays as “on top of the tooth.” Your dentist at Forest Heights Dental will recommend which you need based on cavity size.
Dental inlays and onlays typically last 10-30 years with proper care—much longer than regular composite fillings (5-10 years). Porcelain and gold inlays/onlays are extremely durable. Lifespan depends on material, location, your bite, and oral hygiene. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, wear a mouth guard if you grind teeth, and maintain good hygiene with regular checkups at Forest Heights Dental.
For large cavities, yes. Inlays and onlays are stronger and last longer than composite fillings. They’re custom-made to fit perfectly, preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns, don’t shrink or expand with temperature changes, and are more stain-resistant. Regular fillings work fine for small to medium cavities, but large cavities need the extra strength of inlays/onlays to prevent tooth fractures.
No, the procedure isn’t painful because we use local anesthesia. During your first visit, we’ll numb your tooth, remove decay, and prepare it for the inlay/onlay. You might feel pressure but no pain. We’ll place a temporary filling until your custom restoration is ready. At the second visit, we’ll remove the temporary and bond the permanent inlay/onlay. Some mild sensitivity for a few days is normal.
Getting inlays or onlays at Forest Heights Dental typically requires two visits over 2-3 weeks. First visit (1-2 hours): tooth preparation, decay removal, impressions, and temporary filling placement. The dental lab creates your custom inlay/onlay. Second visit (30-60 minutes): temporary removal, inlay/onlay placement, and final adjustments. Some dental offices offer same-day inlays/onlays using CAD/CAM technology.
Inlays and onlays can be made from porcelain (most popular—natural-looking and durable), composite resin (tooth-colored and affordable), or gold (extremely durable but visible). At Forest Heights Dental in SE Calgary, we primarily use porcelain because it matches your natural tooth color beautifully, resists staining, and lasts for decades. Gold is rarely used anymore except by patient request. We’ll discuss material options during your consultation.
No, inlays and onlays cannot be whitened with teeth whitening treatments. They’re made from materials that don’t respond to bleaching agents. If you’re considering whitening, do it before getting your inlay/onlay so we can match the restoration to your newly whitened teeth. If your existing inlay/onlay doesn’t match your desired tooth shade, it would need to be replaced with a new one in the lighter color.