Dental Crowns, Inlays & Onlays

Crowns, Inlays & Onlays — What's the Difference?

All three are indirect restorations — meaning they're fabricated to fit your tooth precisely, rather than built up directly like a filling. The difference is how much of the tooth they cover.

A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline — used when a tooth is significantly cracked, decayed, or weakened. An onlay covers the damaged portion of the chewing surface and one or more cusps. An inlay sits within the cusps and restores the centre of the chewing surface without extending over the edges. 

When an inlay or onlay is appropriate, it's the more conservative choice — preserving more of your natural tooth structure.

Choosing the Right Material

Not every tooth needs the same material, and we don't treat them like they do. We use a range of options depending on the location of the tooth, the forces it's under, your gum health, and your preferences.

Zirconia is a common choice for posterior teeth — extremely strong, tooth-coloured, and well-tolerated by gum tissue. It holds up well under heavy chewing forces and looks natural.

Porcelain and ceramic restorations offer excellent aesthetics and are well-suited to visible front teeth where appearance is the priority.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns combine a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer. They are particularly useful where the crown margin needs to extend below the gumline — offering strength at the margin where it matters most.

Full gold crowns remain one of the most durable and long-lasting options available — especially for back teeth under heavy occlusal load. Some patients specifically request gold for its longevity and its gentle effect on opposing teeth.

We'll always explain which material we're recommending and why, and discuss alternatives so you can make an informed decision.

When Is a Crown, Inlay, or Onlay Recommended?

We typically recommend one of these restorations when a tooth is cracked, has a large or failing filling, has extensive decay, or has been treated with a root canal. We'll always confirm the recommendation and walk you through your options before proceeding.

What to Expect

After preparing the tooth, we take a digital scan or impression. Some cases can be completed the same day using our [CEREC system] — for others, the restoration is fabricated at a dental lab and placed at a second appointment. We'll let you know which approach suits your case during your consultation or exam.