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Inlays and onlays are custom restorations that sit between a filling and a crown. When a tooth is too worn or damaged for a simple filling but does not need a full crown, an inlay or onlay restores it precisely while preserving more of your natural tooth. At Fleming Dental in Durham, we craft them to fit your bite and last.
HOW IT WORKS
We assess how much of the tooth is healthy and confirm an inlay or onlay is the right fit.
The damaged area is cleaned and shaped, and we take an impression.
Your inlay or onlay is made from durable, tooth-colored material to match the tooth exactly.
We bond it in place, adjust your bite, and polish, so it feels seamless.
An inlay fits within the grooves on the chewing surface of a tooth. An onlay covers one or more of the cusps, the raised points, as well. Both are made in advance to fit your tooth precisely, then bonded in place. They are stronger than a large filling and more conservative than a crown.
Inlays and onlays suit a tooth that is too damaged for a filling but still has enough healthy structure to avoid a crown. They are a good option for larger cavities or older fillings that have failed. Choosing the more conservative restoration keeps more of your own tooth, which is always the goal.
Because inlays and onlays are crafted to exact measurements, the fit and the bite have to be right. Dr. Fleming plans each one around how your teeth meet, so it seats precisely, protects the tooth, and holds up under everyday chewing. Getting the function right is what makes a conservative restoration last.
Dr. Alex Fleming does the restorative work at Fleming Dental, from a single filling to full crown and bridge cases. With advanced training through the Pankey Institute, he plans every repair around how your teeth meet, so it is comfortable, functional, and built to last.
You will find a calm, unhurried visit and a clear explanation of what your tooth needs and why.
When a filling is not enough but a crown is more than you need, an inlay or onlay is often the right middle ground. Ask us if it fits your tooth.
📍1020 Broad St, Durham, NC 27705
⏰ Monday to Wednesday 8:00a to 4:30p
⏰ Thursday 8:00a to 3:30p
⏰ Closed Friday to Sunday
Fleming Dental is an out-of-network, fee-for-service practice. We file insurance claims on your behalf as a courtesy, and we provide clear estimates before any treatment begins.
PATIENT STORIES
★★★★★
“I am always pleased with my visits with Dr. Fleming. I recommend him.”
Karla Greene
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Dr. Fleming.”
Mallory Horvath
Google Review · 5 Stars
★★★★★
“Excellent care, exceptional staff!”
Lisa Miles
Google Review · 5 Stars
ALSO IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Natural-looking, conservative repair for cavities and small cracks.
