At Ajax Aria Dentistry, we provide high-quality inlays and onlays as a conservative alternative to full dental crowns. These custom restorations are ideal for patients with moderate tooth damage or decay—offering a strong, natural-looking solution that preserves more of your healthy tooth. Whether you have a cavity too large for a filling or a fractured chewing surface, inlays and onlays restore both the strength and function of your smile with precision.
In most cases, inlays and onlays are considered a restorative procedure and may be eligible for coverage under private insurance plans. However, they are not typically covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) unless deemed medically necessary. Our team will review your options, confirm your eligibility, and provide a detailed treatment estimate before beginning care.
Inlays and onlays are custom restorations made of porcelain, composite resin, or gold that are bonded directly to the surface of a tooth. They are used when a filling isn’t sufficient to restore a decayed or damaged area, but a full crown isn’t necessary either. Inlays are designed to fit inside the grooves of a tooth (between the cusps), while onlays extend over one or more cusps of the tooth’s surface.
Both options are fabricated in a dental lab for a perfect fit and then bonded securely in place, strengthening the tooth and sealing it against further damage or decay.
Inlays and onlays provide both functional durability and a natural-looking finish. Here are the top benefits:
Unlike full crowns, inlays and onlays preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
These restorations are made from durable materials that can last 10–30 years with proper care.
Porcelain and tooth-colored composites blend seamlessly with your natural enamel.
Porcelain inlays and onlays are resistant to staining and retain their appearance over time.
Our inlay/onlay process ensures long-term strength, comfort, and an exact fit for your smile.
Your dentist will examine your tooth, take digital scans or impressions, and remove any decay or damaged material. The tooth is then shaped to accommodate the inlay or onlay.
We send your digital or physical impression to a dental lab to create your custom inlay or onlay. A temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth during this time.
Once your restoration is ready, we bond it securely to your tooth using a strong dental adhesive. Any adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable bite and fit.
The surface is carefully polished to match the shine and texture of your natural teeth, providing both strength and a seamless appearance.
Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients who need more than a filling but less than a crown.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
When a cavity is too large for a regular filling but the tooth structure is still largely intact, an inlay or onlay may be the best option.
Onlays are excellent for restoring chewing surfaces that have been cracked, chipped, or worn down.
Inlays and onlays offer greater strength and longevity than standard composite fillings.
If you want to avoid the extensive reshaping required for a crown, this more conservative treatment may be right for you.
Inlays and onlays are usually classified as restorative procedures and may be covered in part by private dental insurance, especially when used to treat decay or damage. However, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) typically does not cover inlays or onlays, as they are often viewed as upgraded alternatives to standard fillings. Our team at Ajax Aria Dentistry will help you navigate your insurance coverage, provide a detailed estimate, and discuss flexible payment options if needed.
Led by Dr. Alireza Mirlohi, our team delivers skilled, compassionate care backed by years of clinical experience and training.
From digital X-rays to calming amenities, our Ajax dental office is designed for your comfort and convenience.
Have questions or need urgent care? Our team is responsive, reliable, and ready to help—before, during, and after your visit.
At Ajax Aria Dentistry, our experienced dental team—including Dr. Alireza Mirlohi, Dr. Shadi Tabrizi, and Dr. Steven Zhao—has a keen eye for restorative precision and cosmetic detail. We use modern materials and digital techniques to ensure your inlay or onlay fits comfortably and blends beautifully with your natural tooth. With a gentle, patient-focused approach, we make the entire process smooth and stress-free.
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, they can last 10 to 30 years depending on the material used and your bite.
For large cavities or damaged areas, inlays and onlays offer more strength, better fit, and longer durability than traditional fillings.
No. The process is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort.
Yes, once the restoration is fully bonded, you can eat normally. Avoid very hard or sticky foods during the first 24 hours if you received a temporary restoration.
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that needs more than a filling, inlays and onlays offer a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. Let the team at Ajax Aria Dentistry restore your smile with comfort and precision.
Call us today at (289) 482 6080 or book your appointment online to schedule your consultation.
When a tooth is damaged or decayed, selecting the right restoration is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. Fillings may not be strong enough for larger cavities, while crowns sometimes require removing more enamel than necessary. At Ajax Aria Dentistry, we offer inlays and onlays in Ajax as a conservative yet durable solution to restore teeth that fall between those two categories.
Inlays and onlays, sometimes referred to as “indirect fillings,” are custom-made restorations crafted from strong, tooth-coloured materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin. They are designed to strengthen teeth, protect against further decay, and blend seamlessly with your smile.
The chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, which are frequently the most susceptible to decay or fractures, are restored with inlays and onlays. Inlays and onlays are made outside of the mouth and then cemented into place, in contrast to conventional fillings that are moulded straight into the tooth.
Our custom inlays and onlays in Ajax are carefully designed for a precise fit, which improves function and helps the restoration last longer than traditional fillings.
Both inlays and onlays serve the same purpose: repairing moderately damaged teeth. The difference lies in how much of the tooth they restore.
Compared to a full crown, this method gives our dentists the strength and durability of a crown while preserving more of your original tooth structure.
There are many reasons why patients and dentists alike prefer inlays and onlays:
Compared to conventional fillings, porcelain and ceramic inlays and onlays are more robust and wear-resistant.
Tooth-colored materials mimic the look of natural enamel, blending seamlessly into your smile.
Inlays and onlays fit more precisely than fillings because they are custom-made in a dental laboratory, which reduces the likelihood of leakage or recurring cavities.
Less enamel is removed compared to placing a crown, helping preserve your natural tooth.
With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10–15 years or even longer.
Compared to conventional fillings, they help strengthen the tooth structure, reducing the likelihood of tooth breakage.
Suitable for repairing cavities, strengthening weakened teeth, or replacing old, failing fillings.
At Ajax Aria Dentistry, getting inlays and onlays in Ajax typically involves two visits:
Initial Examination
The dentist evaluates your tooth with a visual exam and X-rays to determine the extent of damage.
Tooth Preparation
The decayed or damaged portion of the tooth is removed, and the area is shaped for restoration.
Impressions or Scans
To make an exact casting, an impression or digital scan is taken. To create your unique inlay or onlay, it is submitted to a dental lab.
Temporary Restoration
A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth while the lab fabricates the permanent restoration.
Final Placement
At your second visit, the inlay or onlay is bonded to the tooth with strong dental cement and polished for a natural finish.
This process ensures a precise fit and a restoration that is both strong and aesthetic.
Our inlays and onlays in Ajax can be made from several materials:
Your dentist will recommend the best option based on location, budget, and aesthetic goals.
Inlays and onlays are ideal for patients who:
Patients often ask why they should choose inlays or onlays instead of other restorations:
For many patients, they provide the perfect balance of durability and conservation.
Most insurance plans cover inlays and onlays in Ajax if they are necessary for restorative purposes. Cosmetic upgrades may have partial coverage. Our clinic offers direct billing and flexible payment options, making treatment accessible and affordable for all patients.
Our dentists specialize in procedures like inlays and onlays and have years of experience in restorative dentistry. To ensure that every restoration is accurate, long-lasting, and natural-looking, they utilize cutting-edge technology, premium materials, and a patient-first approach.
Caring for your restorations is simple and similar to caring for natural teeth:
With proper oral hygiene, inlays and onlays can last well over a decade.
They typically last 10–15 years but may last longer with excellent oral care.
Yes, for larger cavities. They are stronger, more precise, and longer-lasting than traditional fillings.
Yes. Porcelain and composite restorations are matched to your natural tooth colour for a seamless look.
No. Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort, and most patients describe the process as easy and painless.
Yes. They can be repaired or replaced by your dentist if they become worn or damaged.
Yes, although it’s less common now. Due to its extreme durability, gold may be recommended for use in the back teeth, where strength is crucial.
When teeth are too damaged for fillings but not quite in need of crowns, inlays and onlays are an excellent solution. At Ajax Aria Dentistry, we design and place custom inlays and onlays in Ajax to restore strength, function, and beauty to your smile.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how inlays and onlays can protect your teeth while preserving as much of their natural structure as possible.
