Traditional fillings aren’t always enough to restore a damaged tooth—especially in molar teeth that take the brunt of chewing. If you’re dealing with tooth decay, cracks, or wear from teeth clenching, dental inlays and onlays offer a more durable solution.
At Mid North Coast Dental Centre, we use custom restorations crafted in a dental lab to match the exact shape and shade of your tooth structure. These indirect restorations repair teeth while preserving more of your natural tooth than a full dental crown. Designed for strength and aesthetics, our inlays and onlays help restore your smile—comfortably and precisely.
Dental inlays and onlays are strong, custom-made restorations used to repair teeth that are damaged from decay, injury, or teeth grinding. They’re often used on back teeth when a regular filling isn’t strong enough, but a full crown isn’t needed.
Unlike fillings that are placed directly in the mouth, inlays and onlays are made in a dental lab. This helps them fit your tooth perfectly and makes them ideal for restoring the chewing surfaces of back teeth.
An inlay is used to fill the space inside a tooth, between the cusps (the raised points on the tooth). It’s great for treating small to moderate areas of damage while keeping most of your natural tooth structure intact.
An onlay is a bit larger than an inlay. It not only fills the inside of the tooth but also covers one or more of the cusps. That’s why it’s sometimes called a partial crown. Onlays are used when more of the tooth needs to be repaired, but a full crown isn’t necessary.
Both inlays & onlays are typically made from ceramic porcelain, composite resin, or even gold, depending on the case. The process usually involves two appointments, from initial prep to onlay placement and final restoration.
At Mid North Coast Dental, our process for inlays and onlays emphasises precision, comfort, and durability.
We begin with a comprehensive examination of your tooth, including necessary X-rays, to determine if an inlay or onlay is the most suitable restoration.
The affected tooth area is carefully cleaned, removing all the decay or damage, and then shaped to accommodate the inlay or onlay.
A precise impression of the prepared tooth is taken using advanced digital scanning technology. This ensures the custom restoration will fit seamlessly.
A temporary restoration is placed to protect the prepared tooth while your custom inlay or onlay is being fabricated.
The impression is sent to our trusted dental laboratory, where skilled technicians craft your inlay or onlay from high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin.
Once your custom restoration is ready, the temporary restoration is removed, and the inlay or onlay is securely bonded to your tooth. Necessary adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit and comfortable bite.
Dental inlays and onlays are durable. They offer a precise solution for restoring teeth affected by decay or damage—especially in posterior teeth, where strength matters most. At Mid North Coast Dental, our approach uses advanced techniques and materials trusted by leading dental practices across Australia.
The main difference between inlays, onlays, and crowns is that they remove less of your natural tooth structure. Only the decay is removed, preserving more of your original tooth.
Crafted from high-quality composite material, gold, or porcelain, onlays and inlays are exceptionally strong—ideal for the occlusal surface of molar teeth, which endure the greatest pressure during chewing.
Each restoration is shaped precisely to match the cavity shape of the prepared tooth. This ensures a seamless and secure fit.
By reinforcing the tooth and covering vulnerable areas, inlays and onlays can safeguard against further damage or the necessity of root canals in the future.
The tooth will not only function better—it’ll look and feel like new.
Payment Plans
We now offer Zip Pay, ZipMoney, TLC and Afterpay to our customers. Call for more information.
Our Services
At Mid North Coast Dental, we provide a range of comprehensive dental services.
Restore your smile with precision-crafted dental inlays and onlays at Mid North Coast Dental. Designed to repair damaged teeth while preserving natural structure.
We have years of experience in restorative dentistry. We deliver high-quality inlays and onlays designed to restore strength and protect tooth structure. Our services aim to improve your smile. You can trust us to provide reliable care and lasting results.
No two teeth are the same. That’s why we take the time to assess your individual needs—whether you're dealing with tooth decay, a damaged tooth, or teeth clenching. We recommend the ideal inlay or onlay solution for the best outcome.
Using advanced scanning and dental laboratory technology, we create custom restorations that match the exact shape and shade of your tooth. This ensures a perfect fit, natural appearance, and restored chewing surface with minimal discomfort.
We make sure you feel at ease. From Port Macquarie to Lake Cathie, Mid North Coast Dental patients of all ages appreciate our warm, professional care and calm environment. especially during more detailed procedures like onlay placement.
Are you ready to transform your smile? Our team is here to help! Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step towards a beautiful new smile. We have dental centres in Lake Cathie and Port Macquarie and offer late and weekend appointments to fit your busy schedule.
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With proper care, dental inlays and onlays can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Their durability depends on the material used, your oral hygiene, and habits like teeth clenching. We use high-quality materials like porcelain and composite resin for strong, long-lasting results that resist wear and help protect your tooth from further damage.
Yes, in many cases. Inlays and onlays are stronger and longer-lasting than traditional fillings, especially for restoring molar teeth. They also fit more precisely, which means better protection for your tooth structure. They’re often recommended when a filling won’t provide enough strength but a full crown isn’t required.
You’ll usually need two appointments. The first is for assessing and preparing your tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary restoration. The second appointment is when we bond your custom-made inlay or onlay into place. This ensures a precise fit and natural look.
Many private health insurance plans with extras cover a portion of restorative dentistry procedures like inlays and onlays. Coverage depends on your individual policy and level of dental coverage. We can provide a quote and help you check with your provider before starting treatment.
Professional teeth whitening is an investment in your appearance, confidence, and overall well-being. At Mid North Coast Dental Centers, we are committed to helping you achieve the bright, radiant smile you deserve. Whether you opt for our in-chair whitening treatment for immediate results or our take-home kits for the convenience of home use, our personalised approach ensures that you receive the best possible care and results.
Take the first step towards a brighter smile and a more confident you. Contact Mid North Coast Dental Centers today and let us help you shine
We understand that dental work is often delayed due to concerns of cost. To avoid these concerns, we offer our patients Afterpay*, Zip Money*, Zip Pay* and TLC as payment options to assist you in getting your much-needed dental work for your overall health.
*Conditions apply. For more information, contact us directly.
Your Local Mid North Coast Dentist
Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00pm & 5:00pm – 9:00 pm By Appointment
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & 5:00pm – 9:00 pm By Appointment
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & 5:00pm – 9:00 pm By Appointment
Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & 5:00pm – 9:00 pm By Appointment
Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm & 5:00pm – 9:00 pm By Appointment
Saturday: 8:00 am & 4:00 pm
Sunday: Open by Appointment
Cancellations must be made prior to 24 hours before appointment, any cancellation within 24 hours of appointment time is subject to a $50 cancellation fee
Contact Mid North Coast Dental Centres by sending us a message, or giving us a call.
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